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Job outlook for laboratory animal technicians in the United States
Laboratory animal technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected laboratory animal technician job growth rate is 20% from 2018-2028.
About 24,100 new jobs for laboratory animal technicians are projected over the next decade.
Laboratory animal technician salaries have increased 12% for laboratory animal technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,581 laboratory animal technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 63,768 active laboratory animal technician job openings in the US.
The average laboratory animal technician salary is $30,382.
Are laboratory animal technician jobs in demand?
Laboratory animal technician job and salary trends over time
Laboratory animal technician jobs over time
Laboratory animal technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,581 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 8,840 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,934 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,613 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 8,351 | 0.00% |
Average laboratory animal technician salary over time
Laboratory animal technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,382 | $14.61 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $29,594 | $14.23 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $28,840 | $13.87 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $27,986 | $13.45 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $27,223 | $13.09 | +2.2% |
Laboratory animal technician jobs by state
Most common states for laboratory animal technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 158 | 21% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 169 | 19% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,165 | 17% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 539 | 17% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 231 | 17% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 102 | 16% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 740 | 13% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 95 | 13% |
| 9 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 89 | 13% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 674 | 12% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 357 | 12% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 131 | 12% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 796 | 11% |
| 14 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 323 | 11% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 210 | 11% |
| 16 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 148 | 11% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 705 | 10% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 607 | 10% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 353 | 10% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 170 | 10% |
Most common cities for laboratory animal technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 5 | 8% | $32,824 |
| 2 | San Fernando | 2 | 8% | $35,225 |
| 3 | Lawndale | 2 | 6% | $35,129 |
| 4 | Alhambra | 2 | 2% | $35,131 |
| 5 | Jupiter | 1 | 2% | $25,976 |
| 6 | Boston | 9 | 1% | $33,001 |
| 7 | Frederick | 1 | 1% | $32,973 |
| 8 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $32,868 |
| 9 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $35,168 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $33,104 |
| 11 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $34,699 |
Laboratory Animal Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of laboratory animal technician experts
Northern Michigan University
Stanford University
Angelo State University
Kettering University
Pennsylvania State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
University of New Mexico
Palm Beach State College
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Arizona
Southeastern Louisiana University
The University of New Hampshire's Central Science
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, And Treatment Professions
What Laboratory Animal Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: The skills that will be required in the lab tech milieu over the next 3-5 years are the same ones that are necessary now, which is what makes the lab tech profession so lucrative. Foundational laboratory skills are a must now and will be must in the future. Once the aspiring lab tech learns and masters the foundational work, such as lab math, pipetting, dilution schemes, titrating, proper glassware use and application, basic spectrophotometry, transformational weights and measures, microscopy, etc. then they'll be readily adaptable for employment in any laboratory setting.
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD
PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINEStanford University
Veterinary Biomedical And Clinical Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Animal Technician?
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD: In addition to everything scientific and technical that they learn in vet school, they will need to have good people skills, patience and understanding (pet owners may not be able to afford to treat their animals and this can be stressful for vets), therefore a creative mind - especially if there are alternative ways to treat an animal if the proposed treatment is beyond the owner's reach. A vet must have a strong work ethic, be willing to work in a team, should be willing to give back (ie - volunteer to work with the homeless community's pets), be a lifelong learner (vets must attend continuing education to maintain their licenses). And the passion to still want to work as a veterinarian, despite the fact that they most likely have tremendous debt due to the outrageous tuition costs of veterinary school, and this debt will impact their lives for decades after graduation. Since veterinarians in general will never make the salary that MDs do, this potential financial burden can lead many young people to decide against going to vet school in the 1st place.
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 Technician 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 soft skills should all Laboratory Animal Technicians possess?
Dr. Chase Runyan: Adaptability will have a premium in the near future as new professionals enter the work force. Accountability in the agriculture sectors is also a highly valued asset.
What's a day at work look like for a Laboratory Animal Technician?
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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Animal Technician job market given the pandemic?
Daniel Ludwigsen: In responding to this and other questions, I'm considering the perspective of graduates from my programs, with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics or Applied Physics. Most of our grads are looking at full-time positions in engineering, particularly R&D and product development, or consulting/project engineering directly with their employers' customers. In sectors that are in demand, these positions are seeing an accelerated shift in the ways of working-just like we see in most professions. Working at least a portion of the week at home, less travel, more video conferencing, all force employees to sharpen their essential skills in communication, project management, and basically, working with diverse teams.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Animal Technician job market given the pandemic?
Patrick Drohan Ph.D.: The market will rebound in a way similar to the 1920s following the Spanish Flu pandemic. Coupled with the administration shifts, students in science fields especially will be well-placed for quick hires. There is also an age cohort now moving in retirement that occupied a pretty large percentage of positions and those jobs are opening up to entry-level hires. We are starting to see some of that now.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Animal Technician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: Although employment in the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors are trending downward due to the current pandemic, the job outlook for chemists is promising. As there is high demand for laboratory technician positions to analyze COVID-19 samples using classical laboratory techniques. Many jobs are available for those with bachelor's and master's level degrees. Additionally, the need for those studying chemistry to work on potential treatments for the virus including other vaccines is great.
What Laboratory Animal Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: I would recommend gaining additional laboratory and/or research experience to enhance their skill set with new techniques. Individuals could do this by reaching out to principal investigators of research laboratories who are conducting research that they have an interest in. They can also start to build their network by reaching out to professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society and their university's alumni association. These relationships can possibly lead to future opportunities.
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Dr. Rainer Glaser: Chemistry competence is key, of course. As a close second, chemists need to demonstrate effective team player competence. Communication skills are essential, in conversation and in writing. Effective collaboration requires highly developed skills to work with team members, peers, and leadership.
Christopher Bae Ph.D.
Professor, Department ChairUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Anthropology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Animal Technicians?
Christopher Bae Ph.D.: Yes and no. Obviously, hiring in anthropology, like most academic fields, has become more difficult now because of the economic impact of COVID-19 worldwide. However, anthropology graduates are still managing to find job placement in postdoctoral research fellowships, cultural resource management firms, and non-governmental organizations. The applied areas of anthropology are where positions can still be found fairly regularly. Moving forward, however, I anticipate a rebound, like in most fields, of hires more broadly in anthropology.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Christopher Bae Ph.D.: Field and laboratory experience, particularly involvement with projects that lead to eventual publications. Internships and field schools are great ways to get one's feet wet, so to speak.
What Laboratory Animal Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Benjamin Ford: Students taking a gap year should think about where they want to end up, both geographically and in terms of a career, and position themselves accordingly. That might mean moving to where they eventually want to live, taking a job to pay the bills, and volunteering with an organization to build local contacts. They should also work to develop the skills that will make them necessary in their intended career. The world became much more digital in the last nine months. We will likely return to many of our pre-pandemic physical practices, but aspects of our remote-everything existence will likely stick with us. Developing skills to be successful in a digital environment will be important.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Dr. Bruce Huckell Ph.D.: In terms of archaeology, for employers in the governmental and private sectors, I think experience in field work and laboratory analysis is what is most desired when considering folks with bachelor's degrees. In those same employment settings, master's and doctoral graduates who have good writing skills need the knowledge of appropriate legal regulations and museum methods and the ability to organize and supervise workers. In the academic realm, where a doctoral degree is needed in most instances, skills in research, teaching, and pubic/professional service are the key realms in which experience must stand out.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Animal Technicians?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: Only time will tell. However, I feel that this pandemic has brought our students' and alumni's resilience and adaptability to the forefront. With most laboratories limiting the number of employees present, most are not taking on in-person interns at this time. However, they are working with our program to provide remote experiences for our students and provide invaluable support.
Our students have taken time to listen and research the science, found ways to overcome the adversities that have come their way and continue to have a positive outlook. The students in our program are following social distancing guidelines and adapting to the changing learning environments. I believe their resilience and resolve will only add to their successes in life and make them better scientists for it.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Animal Technicians need?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: Graduates [of all ages] will continue to need hands-on skills, the ability to work both in the group and individual settings, and, most importantly, be curious and teachable. Soft skills have taken on greater importance over the years, so we provide ongoing events for outreach, scientific communication, interview preparation, etc., to help provide students with ways to improve and grow their soft skills.
We are seeing scientific communications transitioning from in-person to remote settings, and our students are excelling at rising to the challenges. South Florida has a diverse life science career field, and our students continue to be well prepared to enter the job market and succeed in their career paths.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: The Palm Beach State College Biotechnology Program is a very hands-on intensive training program that ensures our graduates are well versed in fundamental life science laboratory techniques and sterile/aseptic techniques and instrumentation skills. As part of our program, students can earn two College Credit Certificates along with an A.S. degree that includes an industry internship experience.
We are very fortunate to have an excellent relationship with our business partners who are familiar with our facilities, worked with us for many years, and are aware of the vast instrumentation and hands-on training our students receive. They continue to provide career opportunities for our students and interns.
What skills stand out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Dr. Rick DeBowes: Things that pop on a resume would start with the candidate sharing their core value statement (who they are and what they stand for), providing evidence that they made a significant difference in previous positions (helped to develop and lead a change in protocol, solved problems, developed innovations or new approaches to the work), and listing documented evidence of education in clinical communication (primarily hands-on with simulated clients), business/practice management education and working fluency in a second language (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese depending on area demographic needs). Having a letter of support from a colleague, teacher, or former employer that speaks directly to a candidate's character and work ethic is always a great addition to one's application!
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.
Professor of History, Director, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies ProgramSeattle University
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Animal Technician job market given the pandemic?
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.: The future looks excellent for positions in clinical medicine. People appear to be adding pets to their families at unprecedented rates. With so many individuals working from home, they spend more time with their furry family members and make observations of those pets, driving more owners to seek veterinary care or direction. Practices are hectic, and I hear of more and more emergency clinics asking referring veterinary practices to hold onto every patient they can. New graduates are being offered handsome salaries, most with production opportunities, pre-tax benefits, and relocation allowances, along with signing and retention bonuses.
What skills stand out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Peggy Root Kustritz DVM, PhD, MMedEd: Communications! This is always the skill set that alumni report was of greatest value to them as a new veterinarian, and the need for clear communication is heightened by the provision of service through indirect forms of communication, such as talking to clients on the phone or via text or email, instead of face-to-face and providing telemedicine. Other skills that everyone badly needs right now are teamwork (especially the ability to communicate clearly within teams) and adaptability. I know that veterinary graduates like to stress the coursework they've done, but every graduate of an AVMA-COE accredited school is a great student and has to have demonstrated knowledge and specific clinical competencies to finish their training. It is the 'softer' skills that set candidates apart.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Animal Technicians need?
John Wilbur Ph.D.: In the short-term, testing skills like PCR and ELISA seems essential, but I think the enduring skills or working with a team, writing, and other communication skills are most important.
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.
Department HeadSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Laboratory Animal Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.: IoT and automation.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Laboratory Animal Technicians in the next 5 years?
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.: There will be an increase; however, employers will be looking for a unique set of qualities/abilities. Some of the trends have been: technical writing, sales, communication, besides the technical skills, which must be current with the evolution in communication methods that we are experiencing.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Animal Technicians?
Glen P. Miller: Yes, there will be many enduring impacts. Office spaces and buildings will be devalued somewhat, while remote work and virtual meetings have become and will remain important. In chemistry and tangential fields, there will always be a need for in-person work in specialized laboratories, but the manner in which we communicate results internally and externally has changed. There will be less emphasis on in-person communication and a greater emphasis on remote and electronic communication, including email and video reports/presentations. Business travel will drop while skills that enable effective electronic communication will play an even larger role than they already do. Writing skills, including but not limited to technical writing, will become an increasingly valued characteristic of top employees. An ability to speak in a clear, articulate manner will also be prized. None of this, however, supersedes the need for graduates with a robust background in chemistry and a strong work ethic to match.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Glen P. Miller: Research experiences stand out on a resume, especially those leading to scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals or professional presentations (either poster or oral) at scientific meetings. Internships and/or previous employment in the field also stand out.
How do you envision technology impacting Laboratory Animal Technicians in the next 5 years?
Glen P. Miller: The chemistry field is constantly impacted by advancements in scientific instrumentation, hardware, and software, especially those that cut across adjacent fields like biology and materials science. Job seekers should be well-grounded in current technologies while aware of recent developments and trends.
Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.
Professor of Biological Sciences (Emeritus) & Teaching & Learning ConsultantUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Biological Sciences Department
What Laboratory Animal Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.: The answers here depend on why the gap year is needed. If the need is to have an income, this would need to be balanced against other desirable needs and wishes.
- Thinking about a whole gap year, the student should make a long-term commitment to skills improvement and fill in gaps in a resume or job application.
-If the new graduate can afford it, spend some time traveling, to be exposed to different cultures and languages. If the student lives in an area with a growing LatinX population, learning some Spanish would be useful.
-If it looks like the gap year will not include activities related to the job they hope to get at the end of the year, then take at least one STEM course in their area of interest so as not to lose their edge. This could be an online course (for example, a MOOC). Do it for credit if necessary, to prove (to themselves and others) that they still love and want to succeed in science.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Laboratory Animal Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.: -In any STEM field, predicting, recognizing, and fighting climate change looms large. In the life sciences, detecting the effects of environmental change at the species, individual, cellular, and molecular level will be increasingly necessary.
-Medical science will need to respond to new challenges arising out of climate change and the aging population. Supported (as always) by basic sciences, medical science will focus on big-picture biology, represented by the ever-growing number of "...omics". These include genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics... and the enabling technologies that let us look at a lot of genes, gene products, and biochemical reactions at the same time. Finally, the ever-improving gene-editing technologies can lead to the treatment of disease, leading to a greater understanding of the disease and biological process in general.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Animal Technician resumes?
Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.: -A strong academic record, especially in the sciences.
-For any applicant, a research experience with a faculty or private-sector mentor is always a stand-out. Whether or not for academic credit, a valuable experience does not require that research efforts be successful. However, it will be supported by listing the mentor among the job applicant's academic references.
-The applicant should provide a written description of any independent research (laboratory or other) to be appended to the job application and cover letter. This document should communicate a clear understanding of the project and their role in it. I used to have my undergrad independent study researchers talk about their projects at weekly lab meetings. By the time they were looking for a job (or, for that matter, applying to grad school), I wanted these students to be able to articulate hypotheses being tested, to show how their experimental design would test predictions of alternative results, and finally to discuss their progress and any results obtained from their piece of the project. The ability to write clearly about their independent study goals and experience will reflect communication skills, a measure of scientific understanding, and their enthusiasm and pleasure of "doing science."
-Extracurricular activities that include collaborative work (team sports are suitable for this).
-Extracurricular volunteer activities that expose students to social situations outside of family, friends, and classmates. An ability to write about these experiences engagingly is always a stand-out asset.
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom
Professor and Extension Wildlife SpecialistUniversity of Wisconsin
Center for Wildlife
How do you envision technology impacting Laboratory Animal Technicians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom: Without a doubt, social media and mobile technology will continue to have a huge impact on the wildlife field in the next 5 years. I can't keep up with it, but it is in the blood of our recent graduates. I was the first graduate student to write a thesis on a computer at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1983. It has been incredible to see how computers have advanced our work and lives in the last 37 years. Knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate. The latest edition of our trade magazine, The Wildlife Professional https://wildlife.org/the-september-october-issue-of-the-wildlife-professional-3/ features artificial intelligence on the cover and addresses the opportunities that machine learning is providing in the conservation and management of wildlife. Who knows where technology will take us in the future?