Pay & Salary for Animal Testers
Since the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, in 1906, science has performed more extensive testing on foods and drugs to become more aware of the safety and effects of these products. Animal testing is a controversial means by which science has conducted studies on food and drugs and their safety. Animal testing is performed in labs to determine whether a food or drug is safe for human consumption. Scientists also perform tests on farm animals to find more efficient breeding methods, to study animal genetics and to determine the quality of meat and dairy products.
Other People Are Reading
-
Biological Scientist's Salary
-
Biochemists study the chemical compositions of living cells and organisms, and related phenomena. Some biochemists expand their research into determining the effects of substances and products. Microbiologists examine the growth of microscopic organisms and the effect these organisms have on the environment, foods and the living body. Many microbiologists use their understanding of bacteria and viruses to research the causes and cures for diseases. Sometimes, animal testing is the way in which scientists predict the manner in which a medication or food will behave inside of a human by examining how animals respond to the substance. As of 2010, a biochemist's average annual salary was $86,580; a microbiologist's average annual salary was $72,030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS.
Biological Scientist's Salary Variations
-
The most common industries for biochemists and microbiologists are scientific research and development and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, where salaries averaged $90,810 and $88,590 per year, respectively, for biochemists and $72,860 and $68,770, respectively, for microbiologists. Georgia and North Carolina were the highest paying states for biochemists, with annual salaries averaging more than $105,000. For a microbiologist, the District of Columbia and Maryland paid the highest wages, with annual salaries averaging $104,370 and $100,110, respectively, according to the BLS.
-
Animal Scientist's Salary
-
Animal scientists work to find more practical and efficient ways to produce and process meat and poultry products. This may include studying genetics, nutrition, reproduction and growth of farm animals. Animal scientists may perform tests on farm animals during breeding, to inspect their health or for other purposes related to their safety for human consumption. As of 2010, an animal scientist's average annual salary was $68,170, according to the BLS.
Animal Scientist's Salary Variations
-
The most common industries for animal scientists to work in are colleges, universities and professional schools, and scientific research and development, with annual salaries averaging $53,600 and $78,600, respectively. Maryland paid the highest salaries to animal scientists, where they averaged $100,700, as reported by the BLS.
-
References
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Lifesize/Getty Images
