How much does a Laboratory animal keeper make

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  2. Laboratory animal keeper
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Laboratory animal keeper

26 300 kr

Other animal breeders and animal caretakers

25 100 - 28 000 kr / month

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Laboratory animal keeper

Average salary 26 300 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 26 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

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 27 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has decreased to 26 300 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: 26 300 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 26 300 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.

– statsskuld.se

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 26 300 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 26 300 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.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 23:55:46

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Laboratory animal keeper is 28000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 27500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Laboratory animal keeper is 25100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 25400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 23900 kr 25400 kr
25-34 26000 kr 26800 kr
Snitt 25400 kr 26300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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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