Veterinarians

• Veterinarians may treat a variety of types of animals, from pets like cats and dogs to livestock on farms and animals in zoos. Becoming a veterinarian requires obtaining a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a school accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. They must also possess licensure, which is controlled by individual states and requires passing an eight-hour examination. As of 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that veterinarians earned an average of $92,570 a year, with those in the 90th percentile earning over $145,230.
  
  

Animal Scientists

• Animal scientists work specifically with livestock animals raised for food. They often specialize in a specific area, such as dairy, poultry or breeding, and act as consultants for agricultural producers, advising them on how to more efficiently produce and process their animal products. These scientists can usually find work with a bachelor’s degree in product development or applied research, although those wishing to obtain research jobs must possess a master’s or doctoral degree. According to the BLS, animal scientists earned an average of $68,170 a year as of 2010, with those in the 90th percentile earning over $117,150.
  
  

Zoologists

• Zoologists study the origin and life processes of all types of animals, typically specializing on one type of animal. For example, herpetologists study reptiles, ornithologists study birds and ichthyologists study fish. To perform research, zoologists must typically possess a doctoral degree. Zoologists earned an average salary of $61,660 a year as of 2010, with those in the 90th percentile earning over $93,450.
  
  

Animal Trainers

• Animal trainers may work with animals for the purpose of preparing them to be used for security, riding, performance or to assist disabled people. They may also work with pets on obedience. While educational requirements may vary depending on the position, most employers require that animal trainers possess a minimum of a high school diploma. Others may need postsecondary education; for example, marine mammal trainers typically possess a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. According to the BLS, animal trainers earned an average salary of $31,110 as of 2010, with those in the 90th percentile earning over $53,580 a year.