- Salary statistics
- Laboratory animal keeper salary
Laboratory animal keeper salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
26 000 - 32 000 SEK / month
Naturbruk
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Salary progression Laboratory animal keeper
What does a Laboratory Animal Caretaker do? – Tasks and work environment
A Laboratory Animal Caretaker is responsible for caring for and monitoring animals used for research purposes within a laboratory setting. Tasks include daily supervision, feeding, health checks of test animals, and cleaning cages and equipment. The role also involves documenting animal welfare and sometimes assisting with simple medical procedures or sample collections. The work environment is characterized by high hygiene standards, strict adherence to ethical guidelines, and close collaboration with researchers and veterinarians to ensure animal well-being.
Salary development over time
The salary development for Laboratory Animal Caretakers has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,000 SEK per month, which increased to 26 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has decreased to 30 000 SEK, representing a reduction of approximately 5.4% compared to the previous year. This decline can partly be explained by changes in demand and budget conditions within the research sector, where many positions are publicly funded. Despite fluctuations, the salary levels in the profession remain relatively stable over time, and long-term, salaries tend to follow developments within related animal care professions.
Laboratory Animal Caretaker salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 30 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 25,100 SEK/month (female), 25,400 SEK/month (male)
- Highest salary: 28,000 SEK/month (female), 27,500 SEK/month (male)
- Hourly wage: 158 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 30 000 SEK; specific data for men is not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker, a high school education with a focus on animal care is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses in laboratory animal science. Practical experience and specific certifications can be advantageous, and many employers require documented knowledge of animal handling in a laboratory environment. Some roles also demand a good understanding of ethical and legal aspects of animal experimentation.
- High school education: Animal Care Program (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: Courses in laboratory animal science (up to 1 year)
- Certification: Specialized courses/certificates in animal handling and ethics
- Internships: Internships in research laboratories are common
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of animals and laboratory environments
Working as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker often involves close collaboration with researchers and veterinarians, providing unique insights into advanced medical research and contributing to the development of new treatments. For those interested in both animals and science, the profession offers an stimulating and meaningful workday.
Common benefits and compensations
Laboratory Animal Caretakers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and paid professional development. Additional benefits may include subsidized meals, work clothing, and access to occupational health services. Opportunities for further training and participation in courses related to animal welfare and laboratory techniques are also regularly available.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker varies depending on the region and the extent of research activities. The number of job openings within the profession is relatively stable, but some geographic areas may have higher competition for positions. Challenges in the role often involve managing demanding working conditions, such as shift work, high hygiene standards, and emotionally taxing situations related to animal experiments. Additionally, high demands are placed on ethical responsibility and meticulous documentation, requiring resilience and good organizational skills.
Tips for those who want to become a Laboratory Animal Caretaker
To succeed as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in animals with high accuracy and a sense of responsibility. Early pursuit of internships in animal care or laboratory environments provides valuable experience and increases employment chances. Good teamwork skills are crucial, as the work is often performed in teams with researchers and veterinarians. Flexibility and resilience help manage unforeseen situations, while ethical awareness contributes to animal welfare and the profession's credibility. Keeping updated on new methods and regulations in laboratory animal care strengthens professional competence. Finally, a positive attitude towards further education and development is important for long-term satisfaction and success in the profession.
Key facts about Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Education level: High school or post-secondary education in animal care
- Work environment: Laboratory setting with high hygiene standards
- Typical work pattern: Shift work may occur
- Demand: Approximately 360 job openings within the field
- Special skills: Animal handling, ethics, and documentation
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker, opportunities exist to advance to more specialized roles, such as responsible for animal husbandry or supervisor within larger laboratories. Some choose to further their education in biomedicine or veterinary medicine to broaden their skills and increase career opportunities. The employment service assesses the future outlook as stable, with continued demand for qualified animal caretakers in research environments. Regional differences may occur depending on proximity to universities and research centers. The profession can also serve as a stepping stone to other roles in animal care, laboratory work, or research.
Common questions about Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- What does a Laboratory Animal Caretaker earn?
- The average salary is 30 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on education level and experience. - What education is required to become a Laboratory Animal Caretaker?
- High school education in animal care is recommended, often supplemented with post-secondary courses in laboratory animal science. - What is the work environment like for a Laboratory Animal Caretaker?
- The work environment is laboratory-based with high demands on hygiene, safety, and precision. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Women earn on average 30 000 SEK; specific data for men is not available, but the highest salary for men is 27,500 SEK. - What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
- Opportunities include supervisory roles, specialization in animal care, or further education in biomedicine or veterinary medicine. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The outlook is stable with approximately 360 job openings within the field.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 23300 kr | 27500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29600 kr | 30700 kr | |
| Snitt | 28500 kr | 30000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25200 kr | 26000 kr |
| 25-34 | 108% | 26700 kr | 27700 kr |
| 35-44 | 27300 kr | 27600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 29000 kr | 29600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 99% | 27200 kr | 28400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 26900 kr | 27700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25200 kr | 26000 kr |
| 25-34 | 108% | 26700 kr | 27700 kr |
| 35-44 | 27300 kr | 27600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 29000 kr | 29600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 99% | 27200 kr | 28400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 26900 kr | 27700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 22900 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 29000 kr | 30600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 22900 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 29000 kr | 30600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25300 kr | 25400 kr |
| 25-34 | 108% | 25300 kr | 25800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 28200 kr | 28700 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 26600 kr | 27000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25300 kr | 25400 kr |
| 25-34 | 108% | 25300 kr | 25800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 28200 kr | 28700 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 26600 kr | 27000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 23200 kr | 27600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29700 kr | 30800 kr | |
| Snitt | 29400 kr | 31000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25200 kr | 26100 kr |
| 25-34 | 108% | 26800 kr | 27800 kr |
| 35-44 | 27300 kr | 27500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 29100 kr | 29700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 99% | 27000 kr | 28400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 26900 kr | 27700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 103% | 25200 kr | 26100 kr |
| 25-34 | 108% | 26800 kr | 27800 kr |
| 35-44 | 27300 kr | 27500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 29100 kr | 29700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 99% | 27000 kr | 28400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 26900 kr | 27700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 22800 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 30200 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 22800 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 30200 kr | 32000 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Laboratory animal keeper has the SSYK code 6129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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