Poultry Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Poultry Science is a specialized field dedicated to advancing the sustainable and efficient production of poultry, encompassing both animal management and the science behind poultry-derived products. This program integrates core biological and chemical principles to address challenges in animal welfare, food safety, and agricultural innovation.
- Avian Sciences: Explores the anatomy, physiology, genetics, and behavior of birds, with a focus on optimizing flock health and productivity.
- Nutrition Sciences: Investigates dietary requirements and feeding strategies to support optimal growth, reproduction, and immune function in poultry.
- Food Science and Technology: Examines the processing, preservation, quality control, and safety of poultry meat and egg products from farm to consumer.
- Biochemistry: Delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic processes, disease resistance, and nutrient utilization in avian species.
- Hatchery Design and Management: Focuses on the engineering, environmental control, and operational protocols essential for efficient and hygienic chick production.
- Animal and Human Health and Safety: Addresses zoonotic disease prevention, biosecurity measures, regulatory compliance, and the broader implications of poultry production on public health.
Poultry Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Poultry Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Poultry Science degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Animal Scientists. 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 71,210 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 |
| Animal Scientists 19-1011 | $79,120 | $48,440 - $235,750 | 2,470 | $38.04 |
| 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 |
| Agricultural Technicians 19-4012 | $46,790 | $32,860 - $69,010 | 14,340 | $22.49 |
Poultry Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,510 in Louisiana to $87,698 in Minnesota—a 93% difference. The highest-paying states include Minnesota, California, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 71,210 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 Poultry Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Poultry Science 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 Poultry Science is found at Texas A & M University, College Station (54 graduates), University of Georgia (UGA) (40 graduates), University of Arkansas (U of A) (24 graduates), North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh (19 graduates), and Auburn University (AU) (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 161 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
54 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
40 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
24 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Hinds Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Raymond, Mississippi | Public | hindscc.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Poultry Science programs
How much can I earn with a Poultry Science degree?
Salaries for Poultry Science 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 Minnesota average $87,698 compared to $45,510 in Louisiana. Approximately 71,210 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 Poultry Science programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Poultry Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (54 graduates), University of Georgia (UGA) (40 graduates), and University of Arkansas (U of A) (24 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 Poultry Science growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 110 in 2010 to a peak of 162 in 2020, before declining slightly to 161 in 2023-24. This represents a 46% 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 Poultry Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Animal Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 71,210 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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