Laboratory animal keeper salary

What Does a Laboratory Animal Caretaker Do?

As a Laboratory Animal Caretaker, part of the occupational category Other Animal Breeders and Animal Caretakers, you work with taking care of animals used for research purposes. The work involves daily care such as feeding, cleaning cages, and monitoring the animals' health. It is also important to have knowledge of animal behavior and health in order to detect deviations in time. The work may also include administrative tasks such as documenting the animals' health status and handling orders for food and other equipment.

Education and Requirements for Laboratory Animal Caretakers

To become a Laboratory Animal Caretaker, a high school education with a focus on animal care or equivalent experience is usually required. Sometimes, employers may require specific certificates or courses in the field, depending on the workplace's focus. Further education and special courses may also be available, and sometimes they are offered as part of the employment benefits.

Salary for a Laboratory Animal Caretaker

The average salary for a Laboratory Animal Caretaker is 27 800 kronor per month. Women earn an average of 27 700 kronor while we lack specific information about men's salaries. Hourly employees in the profession can expect an hourly wage of around 167 kronor, based on 166 working hours per month. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has increased from 25 000 kronor to 27 800 kronor.

Salary Range and Gender-Based Differences

The highest salary for a Laboratory Animal Caretaker is 28600 kronor, belonging to a woman working as a private sector manager. The highest salary for a man in the same profession is 28100 kronor. At the other end of the scale, the lowest salary for a woman is 24100 kronor and for a man is 24400 kronor. These salaries may depend on factors such as workplace, experience, and level of education.

Working Conditions and Future Outlook

The working conditions for a Laboratory Animal Caretaker can vary depending on the workplace. Some may work in laboratories, research facilities, or universities, while others may work in animal shelters or veterinary medical institutions. The work can be physically demanding and involve irregular working hours, including weekends and evenings. It is important to have good physical condition and a strong sense of animal well-being.

The future prospects in the profession are stable, with a demand for qualified animal caretakers due to the increasing importance of research and development in scientific and medical fields. However, competition for jobs can be tough, especially in larger cities where more trained candidates are seeking employment.

Challenges and Considerations

The work of a Laboratory Animal Caretaker can involve emotional challenges, especially considering that some animals may be used in experimental contexts. It is important to have a professional attitude and be able to handle stressful situations. Working with animals also requires a great commitment and understanding of ethical issues in animal care.

If you are considering a career as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker, you should consider continuously educating yourself and staying updated on new methods and techniques in animal care and research management. The ability to collaborate with researchers and other animal caretakers is also a valuable skill in this profession.