Livestock Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program explore the scientific foundations and practical applications behind raising and managing livestock, with an emphasis on sustainable production systems and food safety. The curriculum integrates core principles from biology, chemistry, and environmental science to prepare individuals for careers in modern animal agriculture and food systems.
- Animal Sciences: Studies the physiology, genetics, and behavior of livestock species to improve breeding, health, and productivity.
- Range Science: Focuses on the management and conservation of grazing lands to support sustainable livestock production and ecosystem health.
- Nutrition Sciences: Examines dietary requirements and feeding strategies to optimize animal growth, reproduction, and overall well-being.
- Food Science and Technology: Covers the processing, preservation, quality control, and safety protocols involved in transforming raw animal products into consumable food items.
- Biochemistry: Investigates the chemical processes within living organisms, particularly as they relate to metabolism, growth, and disease prevention in animals.
- Human and Animal Health and Safety: Addresses regulatory standards, disease prevention, and ethical practices that ensure both animal welfare and public health protection across the production chain.
Livestock Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Livestock Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Livestock Management degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 54,400 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers 11-9013 | $87,980 | $51,700 - $156,530 | 5,910 | $42.30 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 45-1011 | $59,330 | $39,610 - $90,840 | 29,530 | $28.53 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators 25-9021 | $58,120 | $36,780 - $85,230 | 10,260 | $27.94 |
Livestock Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,873 in Arkansas to $91,820 in Maryland—a 77% difference. The highest-paying states include Maryland, California, and Illinois. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 54,400 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Livestock Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Livestock Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Livestock Management is found at Kansas State University (K‑State) (16 graduates), James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) (6 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (5 graduates), Michigan State University (MSU) (5 graduates), and Wayne Community College (WCC) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 41 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Post-Master's
Other Award
|
16 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Kenansville, North Carolina | Public | jamessprunt.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Wayne Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Goldsboro, North Carolina | Public | waynecc.edu |
| Colby Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Colby, Kansas | Public | colbycc.edu |
| Miles Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Miles City, Montana | Public | milescc.edu |
| Clemson University |
Other Award
|
1 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Livestock Management programs
How much can I earn with a Livestock Management degree?
Salaries for Livestock Management graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,350. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maryland average $91,820 compared to $51,873 in Arkansas. Approximately 54,400 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Livestock Management programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Livestock Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Kansas State University (K‑State) (16 graduates), James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) (6 graduates), and Iowa State University (ISU) (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Livestock Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 21 in 2010 to 41 in 2023-24. This represents a 95% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Livestock Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 54,400 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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