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Agriculture

Animal Breeder

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.

Annual openings

10

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Agriculture and Sustainability
  • Animals and Wildlife

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets.
  2. Observe animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary.
  3. Treat minor injuries and ailments and contact veterinarians to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries.
  4. Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics.
  5. Examine animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
  6. Build hutches, pens, and fenced yards.
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