Animal Scientists
Medium49.11%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$46,240
Median$70,140
High (90th %)$162,000
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Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
The occupation of "Animal Scientists" has an automation risk of 49.1%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 50.0%. This moderate level of automation risk is due to the mixed nature of tasks performed in this role—some tasks are highly automatable, while others require specialized human expertise. For example, tasks such as studying the nutritional requirements of animals and the nutritive values of animal feed materials are increasingly supported by advancements in data analytics and laboratory automation, reducing the need for direct human involvement. Communicating research findings, whether written or oral, can also be partially automated with current technology, as natural language processing systems become more sophisticated in generating reports and presentations. Similarly, developing improved practices in areas like feeding, housing, sanitation, and disease control often relies on data-driven analytics, which are well-suited to automation tools. However, the automation risk is tempered by tasks that demand a greater level of human ingenuity and judgment, making these aspects of the job more resistant to automation. Crossbreeding animals with existing or new strains to achieve desirable characteristics is a complex process that often relies on intuition, experience, and creative problem-solving that algorithms struggle to replicate. Determining the genetic composition of animal populations and understanding the heritability of traits involve nuanced genetic analysis and interpretation that currently exceed the full capabilities of automation. The control and improvement of animal selection and breeding practices to boost efficiency and quality also require adaptive thinking, ethical judgment, and the ability to respond to unpredictable biological variations—all factors that limit the potential for full automation. A key bottleneck in automating the work of animal scientists lies in the skill of originality, with reported levels of 3.3% and 3.9% as critical barriers. Original thought is essential for designing novel experiments, innovating new breeding techniques, and crafting solutions to unforeseen problems. These creative abilities enable animal scientists to intuitively connect disparate pieces of biological data, generate hypotheses, and make decisions in complex, variable environments. As current artificial intelligence systems struggle with tasks demanding high originality and adaptive reasoning, these skills serve as significant roadblocks to automation. Thus, while substantial portions of the work can be automated, the occupation retains a moderate risk due to the ongoing necessity for originality and creativity.
Filter by Automatable Status
Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
Partially Automatable
Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
Partially Automatable
Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
Partially Automatable
Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
Partially Automatable
Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
Partially Automatable
Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
Partially Automatable
Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
Partially Automatable
Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.
Partially Automatable
Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Therapy and CounselingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationHistory and ArcheologyLaw and Government
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
SASAutodesk AutoCADOracle HRISMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoftWeb browser softwareTableauDatabase softwareMicrosoft AccessESRI ArcGIS softwareCowculatorCOWGAMEDAGRISDomestic Animal Diversity Information Service DAD-ISFEEDLOT CALCMaster Ration CalculatorMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareOnline Mendelian Inheritance in Animals OMIAVSNi ASRemlVSNi GenStatSASAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoftWeb browser softwareTableauDatabase softwareOracle HRISCowculatorCOWGAMEDAGRISDomestic Animal Diversity Information Service DAD-ISFEEDLOT CALCMaster Ration CalculatorOnline Mendelian Inheritance in Animals OMIAVSNi ASRemlVSNi GenStatWord processing softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareWord processing softwareDeoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis softwareBest Linear Unbiased Prediction BLUPBest Linear Unbiased Prediction BLUPDeoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis softwareNutrition Balance Analyzer NUTBALNutrition Balance Analyzer NUTBALEmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQLStructured query language SQL
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Medium52.42%
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.
Food Scientists and Technologists
Medium47.16%
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Soil and Plant Scientists
Medium48.11%
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medium49.97%
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Microbiologists
Medium43.81%
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Medium47.45%
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Geneticists
Medium46.99%
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Biologists
Medium43.26%
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Medium45.59%
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Agricultural Technicians
Medium50.20%
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.
Food Science Technicians
Medium63.32%
Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.
Biological Technicians
Medium56.49%
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium42.73%
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.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Medium47.32%
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Veterinarians
Low30.46%
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Low30.19%
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Low30.03%
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.
Agricultural Inspectors
Medium43.19%
Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
Animal Breeders
Medium34.20%
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.
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
Low31.19%
Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.
Animal Control Workers
Medium37.83%
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Animal Trainers
Low22.96%
Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.
Animal Caretakers
Medium38.26%
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.
Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Low24.83%
Perform nonroutine or precision functions involving the preparation of large portions of meat. Work may include specialized slaughtering tasks, cutting standard or premium cuts of meat for marketing, making sausage, or wrapping meats. Work typically occurs in slaughtering, meat packing, or wholesale establishments.