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National median annual wage for this occupation.
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Projected employment change through 2034.
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The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
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Animal breeders work in a relatively small but established occupation, with national employment of about 8,000 people. The role typically focuses on specialized work with animals, supported by skills in science, mathematics, mechanical aptitude, and fine motor abilities. This career also draws on project management, problem solving, and decision making, along with computers and information technology. Because animal breeders often interact with others, customer service and interpersonal skills are also important. The national median salary of $52,000 places this path in a solid earnings range for someone with a high school diploma or equivalent, which is the typical education level for entry. Projected employment growth of 2.4% and around 1,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities over time rather than rapid expansion. People considering this field can also explore related careers such as farmworkers for farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals or other agricultural worker roles listed among the similar occupations.
Animal breeders earn a national median annual salary of $52,000. Pay varies by location, with some states offering higher median wages than others. Among the top states, Ohio reports the highest median salary at $68,980, followed by California at $59,280. Texas, New York, and Minnesota show median salaries in a narrower band, ranging from $47,900 to $48,410. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area has a median salary of $49,350, which is slightly below New York State’s overall median for this occupation. These differences highlight how earnings can shift depending on where you work, even within the same state. Because the typical education is a high school diploma or equivalent, the salary levels in several states may be appealing to those looking for a career that does not require a four-year degree.
Animal breeders have national employment of about 8,000 workers, with projected employment growth of 2.4%. This growth rate is consistent across the featured states and the highlighted metro area. The occupation is expected to generate about 1,000 annual openings, which reflects a combination of new positions and turnover in existing roles. For someone planning a career move, this pattern suggests a stable labor market with ongoing opportunities rather than a rapidly changing field. The relatively modest employment size means opportunities may be more concentrated in certain regions or employers. However, the combination of positive growth and regular openings indicates that people entering the field or seeking advancement may find a reasonable number of positions over time. Those who want to work with animals and apply skills in science, mathematics, and problem solving can consider this a steady, targeted career path.
Location has a clear impact on opportunity for animal breeders. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, California leads with a score of 67.38, a median salary of $59,280, and employment of 410. New York follows closely in opportunity score at 65.78, though its median salary is lower at $48,350 and employment stands at 140. Texas, Minnesota, and Ohio have lower opportunity scores, from 51.57 down to 42.84, yet Ohio offers the highest median salary at $68,980 despite having only 80 employed. All listed states share the same projected growth rate of 2.4%, so the main differences come from salaries, employment size, and opportunity scores. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City has an especially high opportunity score of 77.27, with a median salary of $49,350 and employment of 50, indicating a particularly strong localized market within the broader New York region.
The typical education requirement for animal breeders is a high school diploma or equivalent. This creates a pathway into a specialized occupation without needing a college degree. However, the role still calls for a substantial skill set. Strong science and mathematics skills support the technical aspects of breeding work. Physical strength and stamina, along with fine motor skills, are important for handling animals and performing precise tasks. Mechanical abilities and comfort with computers and information technology also contribute to effectiveness on the job. Project management and problem solving and decision making skills help coordinate breeding activities and address day-to-day challenges. Because animal breeders may interact with clients or other workers, customer service and interpersonal abilities are also valuable. Together, these skills allow someone with a high school education to perform in a role that blends physical work, technical knowledge, and people-oriented tasks.
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