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Animal Industry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Industry information

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$27

How much do animal industry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal industry in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the animal industry, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Professionals in the animal industry often face challenges such as physically demanding work, managing animal health and welfare, and adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards. Job seekers can prepare by gaining hands-on experience with animals, familiarizing themselves with relevant regulations, and developing strong communication and teamwork skills. It is also helpful to stay informed about industry best practices and be open to ongoing training, as procedures and technologies evolve regularly in this field.

What is the difference between Animal Industry vs Animal Care Worker?

AspectAnimal IndustryAnimal Care Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in animal handling or industry-specific trainingHigh school diploma, basic animal handling certifications
Work EnvironmentFarms, processing plants, manufacturing facilitiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAgricultural companies, animal product industriesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career paths in animal productionCompared for pet care and shelter work

Animal Industry involves working in agricultural settings, focusing on animal production, processing, and industry-specific tasks. Animal Care Workers primarily work in shelters, clinics, or pet services, providing direct care and support for animals. While both roles require animal handling skills, the industry focus and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the animal industry, and why are they important?

To thrive in the animal industry, you need a solid understanding of animal science, husbandry, and biosecurity practices, often supported by a degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or related fields. Familiarity with animal management software, breeding and health monitoring tools, and relevant certifications such as animal welfare or safety are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help professionals interact effectively with colleagues, clients, and regulatory bodies. These competencies are crucial for ensuring animal well-being, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations within the industry.

What is the animal industry?

The animal industry refers to the sector of agriculture and business that involves the breeding, raising, and management of animals for various purposes, including food production, fiber, labor, companionship, and research. This industry encompasses livestock such as cattle, poultry, pigs, sheep, and goats, as well as industries related to animal health, nutrition, and welfare. Professionals in the animal industry work in areas such as animal husbandry, veterinary services, animal feed production, and regulatory agencies to ensure the health, productivity, and ethical treatment of animals.
More about Animal Industry jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Industry jobs? Cities with the most Animal Industry job openings:
What states have the most Animal Industry jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Industry jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Industry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Director of Animal Health-Veterinarian

Director of Animal Health-Veterinarian

State of South Dakota

Pierre, SD • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


State Of South Dakota rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 35243
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources - Animal Industry Board
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $115,000.00 Annual Salary
Pay Grade: MD
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The South Dakota Animal Industry Board seeks to fill the position of Director of Animal Health - Veterinarian. The role of the Director is to provide direction for a statewide program by interpreting state and federal regulations and overseeing state/federal cooperative animal health programs and disease control and eradication programs. Applicant must have a valid driver's license for statewide travel, a license to practice veterinary medicine in South Dakota, and a Category II accreditation with USDA APHIS or ability to become licensed and accredited within 30 days.
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.
For more information on the SD Animal industry Board, please visit https://aib.sd.gov/.
For more information on the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/.
Functions:
  • Administers and implements multiple animal industry program services and administrative functions to ensure program goals are met. (Programs such as Animal Traceability, TB Surveillance, National Poultry Improvement Plan, the US Swine Health Improvement Plan Program, Emergency Response & Planning for animal disease events, and South Dakota Voluntary Johne's Disease Program).
  • Maintain accountability for multiple program cooperative agreements and their activity management.
  • Supervises subordinate staff to ensure goals and objectives are met.
  • Foreign animal disease preparedness and response.
  • Provide veterinarian and producer outreach and education.
  • Administer interstate and intrastate animal movement requirements and compliance.

Licenses and Certifications:
Applicant must have a valid driver's license for statewide travel, a license to practice veterinary medicine in South Dakota, and a Category II accreditation with USDA APHIS or ability to become licensed and accredited within 30 days.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
  • Identify and define problems or potential problems and determine resolutions
  • Develop new programs or change existing ones to meet changing trends and needs
  • Analyze information and draw sound and reasonable conclusions
  • Interpret federal and state laws
  • Take part in additional training or experience with state or federal animal health response or communication programs
  • Be able to communicate priorities and oversee responses to disease outbreaks

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge, skills, and conduct expected of a veterinarian licensed and accredited in South Dakota
  • Understanding of federal and state laws governing animal health, public health, food safety, and the practice of veterinary medicine
  • Knowledge of animal diseases, their causes and control
  • Knowledge of animal disease vectors and their control
  • Skills in epidemiology and population medicine
  • Principles of effective human relations and dealing with the public
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3SP
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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