Animal Breeders Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for animal breeders in the United States was $51,130 ($24.58 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| 25th | $44,320 | $21.31 |
| Median | $51,130 | $24.58 |
| 75th | $62,080 | $29.85 |
| 90th | $90,550 | $43.53 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 45-2021
- Total U.S. employment: 1,330
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What the data says
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $38,480, median pay is $51,130, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $90,550.
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $38,480, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $90,550 — a 2.4x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Animal Breeders Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $53,200 | $25.58 | +4.0% | 60 |
| California | $59,280 | $28.50 | +15.9% | 410 |
| Minnesota | $47,900 | $23.03 | -6.3% | 170 |
| Nebraska | $40,220 | $19.34 | -21.3% | 40 |
| New York | $48,350 | $23.25 | -5.4% | 140 |
| Ohio | $68,980 | $33.16 | +34.9% | 80 |
| South Dakota | $44,850 | $21.56 | -12.3% | 40 |
| Texas | $48,410 | $23.27 | -5.3% | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $51,130 | $24.58 | 0.0% | 40 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — $63,800/yr
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants — $76,590/yr
- Training and Development Specialists — $69,280/yr
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $37,450/yr
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics — $64,520/yr
- Social and Human Service Assistants — $45,930/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for animal breeders?
The median annual wage for animal breeders is $51,130 ($24.58 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays animal breeders the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many animal breeders are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 1,330 animal breeders employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do animal breeders make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $24.58. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.