Animal Sciences graduates earn $49,634 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,349 and $66,880. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Animal Sciences is a focused area of study within Agriculture. Graduates typically earn around $49,634 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 157 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 8,396 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$34,062
Median Earnings · 4yr
$49,634
Colleges Offering
157
Graduates / Year
8,396
Avg Net Price / yr
$17,324
How Much Do Animal Sciences Graduates Earn?
Animal Sciences graduates earn $49,634 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,349 and $66,880. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $34,062 climbs to $49,634 by year four.
$34,062
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$49,634
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$49,193
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Animal Sciences graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$36,34925th pct.
$49,634Median
$66,88075th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $49,634 and an estimated $69,296 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.5 years.
Based on outcomes from 105 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 8,396 students who complete Animal Sciences programs each year, the majority (87%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
87%
Bachelor's87%
Master's6%
Associate's3%
What Can You Do With an Animal Sciences Degree?
Animal Sciences connects to 5 occupations in the job market. Agricultural Sciences Teachers leads at $98,700/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
High school diploma or equivalent85,500 openings/yr7K employed nationally
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingSpeaking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingSocial Perceptiveness
Day-to-day responsibilities
Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.
Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
Collaborate with producers to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
Top Colleges for Animal Sciences
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Animal Sciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Animal Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Animal Sciences carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 2 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $34,062 at graduation to $49,634 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 98,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $49,634 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Animal Sciences graduates earn a national median of $49,634 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,349 and $66,880. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Sciences degree?
One year after graduation, Animal Sciences degree holders earn a median of $34,062. That climbs to $49,634 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Animal Sciences degree?
Animal Sciences degree holders pursue careers including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, which pays a median of $98,700/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Animal Sciences program take?
A Animal Sciences bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Animal Sciences?
157 colleges and universities in the United States offer Animal Sciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Animal Sciences degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $49,634 and an average net price of roughly $17,324/yr, a Animal Sciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Animal Sciences and Agriculture?
Animal Sciences is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Animal Sciences-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Animal Sciences graduates?
Employers hiring Animal Sciences graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Animal Sciences graduates?
The job outlook for Animal Sciences graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +1.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Agricultural Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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