DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
45-2021 Animal Breeders
Occupational Description:
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. Excludes ?Animal Scientists? (19-1011) whose primary function is research and ?Animal Caretakers? (39-2021) who may occasionally breed animals as part of their other caretaking duties.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| U S | 1,610 | 167 | $22.65/hr | $0.66/hr | $12.69/hr | $15.47/hr | $20.94/hr | $27.68/hr | $33.93/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2020 - 2030 | |
| Nonfarm Animal Caretakers | 3,250 | $12.38/hr | 23.9% |
| Farmworkers, Farm and Ranch Animals | 730 | $12.81/hr | -5.4% |
Tasks for Animal Breeders
- Selects animals to be bred, according to knowledge of animals, genealogy, traits, and offspring desired.
- Records weight, diet, and other breeding data.
- Examines animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
- Feeds and waters animals, and cleans, pens, cages, yards, and hutches.
- Treats minor injuries and ailments and engages veterinarian to treat animals with serious illnesses or injuries.
- Clips or shears hair on animals.
- Arranges for sale of animals to hospitals, research centers, pet shops, and food processing plants.
- Adjusts controls to maintain specific temperature in building.
- Kills animals, removes their pelts, and arranges for sale of pelts.
- Exhibits animals at shows.
- Builds and maintains hutches, pens, and fenced yards.
- Milks cows and goats.
- Brands, tags, dehorns, tattoos, or castrates animals.
