Laboratory Animal Technician
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Provide daily feeding, watering, and housing care
- Clean and sanitize cages, rooms, and equipment
- Observe animals for health and behavior changes
- Report concerns to veterinarians and research staff
- Perform basic handling and restraint under training
- Support breeding, weaning, and identification tasks
- Maintain accurate animal care and inventory records
- Follow facility safety rules and infection control practices
- Prepare rooms for studies and assist with animal transport
- Support humane endpoints and welfare checks per policy
Top Skills for Success
Animal Handling
Animal Welfare
Attention to Detail
Recordkeeping
Sanitation Procedures
Biosecurity Practices
Communication
Time Management
Safety Compliance
Teamwork
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Laboratory Animal Technician
Lead Animal Care Technician
Animal Care Supervisor
Colony Manager
Veterinary Technician
Transition Opportunities
Research Associate
Facility Operations Coordinator
Training Coordinator
Animal Welfare Specialist
Compliance Coordinator
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Regulatory ComplianceAseptic TechniqueHealth MonitoringAnesthesia SupportData Entry AccuracyIncident Reporting
Development SuggestionsAsk for cross training with veterinary staff, complete facility compliance training, practice consistent documentation, and seek certification tracks to validate animal care and welfare knowledge.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000
Mid LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000
Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring is strongest near research hubs, universities, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical manufacturing centers.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Charles River LaboratoriesLabcorpWuXi AppTecEurofins ScientificEnvigoUniversity Research FacilitiesAcademic Medical CentersGovernment Research Laboratories
Industry Sectors
BiotechnologyPharmaceuticalsContract Research OrganizationsUniversitiesHospitalsGovernment
Recommended Next Steps
1
Build experience with multiple species if available at your facility2
Document measurable outcomes such as reduced errors and improved sanitation scores3
Request training in health observations, humane endpoints, and study support tasks4
Pursue an industry recognized laboratory animal certification when eligible5
Create a simple resume section highlighting animal care volume, record accuracy, and safety performance