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The differences between laboratory animal technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a laboratory animal technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $30,382 average annual salary of a laboratory animal technician.
The top three skills for a laboratory animal technician include animal handling, animal husbandry and research animals. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Laboratory Animal Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $30,382 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $14.61 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 20% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 63,768 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 32 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A laboratory animal technician is responsible for conducting animal research studies by observing and analyzing animal nature and conditions. Laboratory animal technicians maintain the safety and cleanliness of animal cages, supply them food and water, and administer medications as needed. They also take samples for laboratory examinations, monitor the adequacy of inventories, and sterilize tools and equipment. A laboratory animal technician writes finding reports, logs information on the database, and coordinates with other animal experts for study validations.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Laboratory animal technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Animal Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $30,382 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $40,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Cruz, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a laboratory animal technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Animal Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | Ohio State University | - |
Here are the differences between laboratory animal technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Laboratory Animal Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 32 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 2.1% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 2% |