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Job outlook for laboratory animal caretakers in the United States
Laboratory animal caretaker job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected laboratory animal caretaker job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 20,000 new jobs for laboratory animal caretakers are projected over the next decade.
Laboratory animal caretaker salaries have increased 19% for laboratory animal caretakers in the last 5 years.
There are over 12,297 laboratory animal caretakers currently employed in the United States.
There are 45,979 active laboratory animal caretaker job openings in the US.
The average laboratory animal caretaker salary is $26,564.
Are laboratory animal caretaker jobs in demand?
Laboratory animal caretaker job and salary trends over time
Laboratory animal caretaker jobs over time
Laboratory animal caretaker job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12,297 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 11,995 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 11,978 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 11,081 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,470 | 0.00% |
Average laboratory animal caretaker salary over time
Laboratory animal caretaker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $26,564 | $12.77 | +4.7% |
| 2025 | $25,375 | $12.20 | +3.8% |
| 2024 | $24,443 | $11.75 | +5.4% |
| 2023 | $23,200 | $11.15 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $22,410 | $10.77 | +3.7% |
Laboratory animal caretaker jobs by state
Most common states for laboratory animal caretakers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 993 | 16% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 130 | 15% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 936 | 14% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 187 | 14% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 85 | 14% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 705 | 13% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 360 | 11% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 84 | 11% |
| 9 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 74 | 11% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 653 | 9% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 94 | 9% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 68 | 9% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,088 | 8% |
| 14 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 748 | 8% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 732 | 8% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 314 | 8% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 241 | 8% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 148 | 8% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 139 | 8% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 110 | 8% |
Most common cities for laboratory animal caretakers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rockville | 2 | 3% | $32,160 |
| 2 | Auburn | 1 | 2% | $22,874 |
| 3 | Harrisburg | 1 | 2% | $27,952 |
| 4 | Shawnee | 1 | 2% | $22,788 |
| 5 | Frederick | 1 | 1% | $32,400 |
| 6 | Iowa City | 1 | 1% | $27,372 |
| 7 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $32,436 |
| 8 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $30,228 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $26,953 |
| 10 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $26,651 |
| 11 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $27,989 |
Laboratory Animal Caretaker job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of laboratory animal caretaker experts
Angelo State University
Dr. Chase Runyan
Associate Professor, Department Chair, Director of MIR/Research ScientistAngelo State University
Department of Agriculture
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Animal Caretaker job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Chase Runyan: Like a lot of industries, consumer confidence to continue spending for products and services will dictate the ability for employers to continue hiring or refilling positions for new graduates. Many students may find graduate school as an enticing option if hiring slows or the job market shrinks due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
What's a day at work look like for a Laboratory Animal Caretaker?
Dr. Chase Runyan: Because agriculture industries are so diverse in their nature, it is nearly impossible to gauge what a work day might look like.