Animal Breeders

SOC code 45-2021 · O*NET-SOC 45-2021.00 · Little to some preparation needed

Animal Breeders pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$51,130

a year

Hourly

$24.58

per hour

10th$38,480Median$51,13090th$90,550

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$57,010

$27.41 per hour

Middle 50%

$44,320 – $62,080

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,480 – $90,550

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

1,330

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,480; $18.50/hr
25th percentile: $44,320; $21.31/hr
Median percentile: $51,130; $24.58/hr
75th percentile: $62,080; $29.85/hr
90th percentile: $90,550; $43.53/hr

What does an animal breeder do?

Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Feed and water animals, and clean and disinfect pens, cages, yards, and hutches.
Observe animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary.
Treat minor injuries and ailments and contact veterinarians to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries.
Arrange for sale of animals and eggs to hospitals, research centers, pet shops, and food processing plants.
Place vaccines in drinking water, inject vaccines, or dust air with vaccine powder to protect animals from diseases.
Purchase and stock supplies of feed and medicines.
Bathe and groom animals.
Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics.

How to become an animal breeder

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 86% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)86%
Post-Secondary Certificate6%
Some College Courses4%
Bachelor's Degree3%

Common questions

How much does an animal breeder earn?

The national median is $51,130 a year. The full range runs from $38,480 at the 10th percentile to $90,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an animal breeder without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.3/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Science3.0/5
Active Learning3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
Sales and Marketing3.9/5
Administration and Management3.5/5
Biology3.3/5
Mathematics3.2/5
Administrative3.1/5
Production and Processing2.9/5
English Language2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Operations Monitoring.