Science · SOC 19-1011
AI can assist with literature review and data analysis, but animal science demands field observation and applied biological judgment.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI genomic tools are transforming breeding selection, but animal scientists who can interpret genomic results in field conditions and work directly with producers will remain indispensable for years.
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$117,580 median pay
$52,000 median pay
$57,790 median pay
$71,410 median pay
$67,950 median pay
$86,930 median pay
AI job-risk card
Animal Scientists is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Animal Scientists is 35/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
35 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Writing research findings and communications, Advising producers on best practices from published research, Researching breeding and management techniques. Harder to automate: Designing and running live animal feeding trials, Evaluating animal health and welfare in real settings, Developing practical management practices with producers, Hands-on study of animal physiology and behavior.
Lean into Animal genetics and genomics, Precision livestock technology, Statistical analysis for biological research, AI-assisted literature review, Science communication. Consider roles such as Livestock Genetics Consultant or Animal Welfare Scientist or Agricultural Research Director.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.