The Laboratory Research Industry

 

Entry level: $14,000 to $19,000 per year. Experienced: $17,000 to $31,000 per year.

You must enjoy working with animals and believe in the humane and ethical care of animals.

Laboratory environment at biotechnology firms, research, or other animal caretaking facilities.

Manybiomedical research companies in our area provide comprehensive research to bring safer, healthier products to the world. The caretaking of animals is an indispensable part of some biomedical and agricultural research. Ethical practice and high standards of animal care are essential.

Animals constantly need to be fed, watered and exercised, and to have their living spaces cleaned, so duties are sometimes repetitious. Animal caretakers should have the ability to monitor and care for laboratory animals. They must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Most animal caretaker positions are full-time, 40 hours per week. Since animals need to be cared for every day, many positions require some weekend, evening or overtime hours. Part-time work is often available in this position.

On-the-job training is the most common way animal technicians and animal caretakers learn their work; however, employers generally prefer to hire people who have training and/or experience with animals. Animal caretakers must be detail oriented, have strong observation skills, and have a willingness to perform routine work.

Laboratory research industry leaders shared a continuing demand for qualified, knowledgeable employees who are ready to excel in the laboratory animal caretaking field.

Median hourly earnings were between $10.44 and $15.77. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $8.79.

Kennels, animal shelters, animal hospitals, pet stores, stables, veterinary facilities, laboratories, and zoological parks all house animals and employ animal caretakers or animal technicians. Job titles and duties vary by employment setting.