Better, healthier, more productive pigs start with genetics — and that's your science, studying and improving swine breeding through data, biology, and long-term trials. Applying genetics to how livestock is bred.
Across labs, farms, and the desk, you study traits, run genetic evaluations, and guide selection over generations — with geneticists and producers. Progress is measured across breeding cycles, not months, so the craft is patience and rigorous method over many generations of animals.
The harder part is the long timelines and biology that won't be rushed — results take generations. The work ties to agricultural economics and industry needs, can involve farm and lab conditions, and funding and priorities shape what's studied. Academia, industry, and breeding companies each differ.
It tends to fit someone analytical, patient, and genuinely interested in animal science. If you need fast results or a pure lab, the timelines and farm side may not suit. But if improving livestock through rigorous genetics appeals, the work tends to be quietly satisfying, generation by generation.
It's your career.
Take the wheel.
Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.
Turn your career record
into a springboard for growth.
Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.
Better, healthier, more productive pigs start with genetics — and that's your science, studying and improving swine breeding through data, biology, and long-term trials. Applying genetics to how livestock is bred.
Median pay for a Swine Genetics Researcher is about $86K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $48K to $236K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).
Core skills for this role include Reading Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Science, Writing, and Critical Thinking.
Most people in this role hold a professional degree.
Employment in this field is projected to grow about 3.5% through 2034, with roughly 62,180 people working in it today (BLS).
Closely related roles include Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, and Animal Anatomist.
Remember “your permanent record”?
This time it works for you.