Livestock Ultrasound Technician

Also called: Carcass Ultrasound Technician, Pregnancy Ultrasound Tech (Cattle)

Uses ultrasound to measure meat quality and check pregnancy in live cattle.

A day in the life

Scans hundreds of cattle in a chute, measures marbling and back fat for breeders, and checks which cows are pregnant.

Pay over a career

Starting

$30k

Typical

$45k

High

$70k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 1 year after high school. UGC certification or training; livestock experience.

Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Animal Science.

Outlook

Growing about average. Small niche.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. AI image analysis now scores many ultrasound scans automatically; scanning live cattle chute-side stays hands-on.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Agriscience (FFA), Biology, Statistics, Computer applications.

• Join FFA and try the Livestock Evaluation CDE
• Raise cattle through 4-H
• Work at a sale barn or cattle operation

Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2093.

More Animal Science & Livestock careers

• Animal Geneticist
• Livestock Nutritionist
• USDA Veterinary Medical Officer
• Cattle Rancher
• Animal Scientist
• Agricultural Extension Agent
• Dairy Herd Manager
• Livestock Auctioneer
• Livestock Embryo Transfer Technician
• Meat Scientist
• Artificial Insemination Technician
• Livestock & Meat Inspector
• Sheep Shearer
• Ranch Hand
• Poultry Farm Technician
• Poultry Veterinarian
• Swine Veterinarian
• Animal Science Professor
• Swine Production Manager
• Feedlot Manager
• Animal Nutrition Sales Representative
• Livestock Show Judge
• Cattle Hoof Trimmer
• USDA Animal Health Technician

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.