Four agricultural jobs for animal lovers

If you’re an animal lover looking to work in the agriculture industry, here are four careers that involve working with animals.

1. Animal health inspector. Animal health inspectors make sure animals on farms are kept in safe, well-maintained environments where they’re not mistreated or neglected. Most animal health inspectors hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of an agricultural inspector is $44,930.

2. Livestock breeder. Livestock breeders use their knowledge of genetics to select breeding stock that will produce healthy, high-quality farm animals. The duties of animal breeders include choosing the right animals for breeding, administering medications and supplements and maintaining health and pedigree records. Many breeders specialize in a particular species and have degrees or certificates in animal science or animal health. The average salary of an animal breeder is $43,450 a year.

3. Livestock farmer. Most large livestock farms specialize in one type of animal—for instance, there are dairy farms, horse farms, poultry farms, apiaries (bee farms) and more. If you’re looking to manage your own livestock farm, obtaining a certificate or degree in agriculture, agribusiness or livestock production can help you obtain the skills you’ll need to be a commercial farmer. The median annual salary for a farmer or agricultural manager is $69,620 a year.

4. Veterinarian or veterinary technician. Many veterinarians and veterinary technicians specialize in providing medical care to farm animals like horses, cows, sheep and pigs. To become a veterinarian, you must obtain a degree in veterinary medicine from a university and a license to practice in your state. To become a veterinary technician, you’ll need to complete an associate’s degree in the field. The average annual salary for veterinarians in the U.S. is $90,420 and the average salary for veterinary technicians is $33,400.

If you think you’re ready to devote your life to working with animals, investigate these opportunities to jumpstart your career.