Animal Breeder Salary in 2026
How Much Do Animal Breeders Make?
Animal Breeders earn a median annual salary of $52,000 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,130 at the 10th percentile to $89,970 at the 90th percentile — a range of $52,840. The highest-paying state is Ohio at $71,930.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $43,310 |
| Median (50th) | $52,000 |
| 75th percentile | $59,630 |
| 90th percentile | $89,970 |
Animal Breeder Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Ohiotop | $71,930 |
| California | $58,240 |
| New York | $50,440 |
| Minnesota | $48,670 |
| Idaho | $48,620 |
| Texas | $48,230 |
| Wisconsin | $45,840 |
| Kentucky | $45,730 |
| Alabama | $29,140 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Animal Breeders
Animal Breeder Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$37,130 – $43,310 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$52,000 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$59,630 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $89,970+ |
How to Earn More as an Animal Breeder
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Animal Breeders in New York earn $50,440 — $-1560 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($59,630) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Animal Breeder Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Animal Breederthis career | $52,000 |
| Agricultural Manager | $87,980 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Product | N/A |
| Animal Scientist | $79,120 |
| Food Scientists and Technologist | $85,310 |
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SOC: 45-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.