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Animal Tech Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Tech information

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$11

$23

$31

How much do animal tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal tech in Washington is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $28.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal tech?

Animal Technicians, often called Animal Techs, are professionals responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals in research facilities, laboratories, or veterinary clinics. Their duties typically include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and maintaining proper living conditions. Animal Techs also assist scientists or veterinarians with procedures, recordkeeping, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. This role is essential in supporting research and ensuring humane treatment of animals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal tech?

To thrive as an Animal Tech, you need knowledge of animal care protocols, basic biology, and often a relevant certification such as ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician). Familiarity with laboratory information management systems, animal handling equipment, and compliance with regulatory standards like IACUC is common. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help you manage animal welfare and collaborate effectively with research teams. These skills ensure both animal well-being and the integrity of scientific research in laboratory environments.

What are common challenges animal techs face when working with laboratory animals, and how can these be managed?

Animal Technicians often encounter challenges such as balancing strict research protocols with the welfare needs of animals and managing emotional stress related to animal care. To address these, technicians work closely with veterinarians and research staff to ensure all procedures follow ethical guidelines, and many institutions provide ongoing training and support resources. Building strong communication skills and being proactive in reporting concerns are key to maintaining both animal well-being and high research standards.

What is the difference between Animal Tech vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal TechVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, research institutionsVeterinary practices, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentAnimal Tech vs Veterinary Assistant

Animal Techs and Veterinary Assistants both work closely with animals in care settings, but Animal Techs often focus on animal handling, feeding, and shelter management, while Veterinary Assistants support veterinarians with clinical tasks. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their specific duties and settings differ.

How to become an animal tech?

To become an animal tech, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience or training in animal care. Many employers prefer candidates with certifications such as veterinary technician or animal care certificates, and hands-on experience working with animals in shelters, clinics, or research facilities is valuable. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle animals safely are also important.
Infographic showing various Animal Tech job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,588 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Laboratory Animal Technician III, NHP

Silver Spring, MD

SoBran, Inc.
501 - 1,000 employees

$30 - $34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

SoBran is looking for a Laboratory Animal Technician III, NHP for their Silver Spring, MD location. These responsibilities include all activities required for the proper care and maintenance of on-site animals. All employees are expected to perform their duties as assigned, arrive to work at 7 am and depart at 3:30 pm (M-F).  You will be required to work on the weekends as scheduled.  The weekend hours are from 7 am to 12 pm.  This position is designated as essential.  In addition, you will be expected to work extra hours during emergency situations or if any unexpected situation arise until work is completed.  You will serve as the subject matter expert in your assigned areas.  Laboratory Technician III (NHP) is expected to create and assist in developing plans to enhance the learning abilities and performance of the staff working on this contract, and to be forward thinking subject expert.  The Laboratory Technician III (NHP) must possess strong verbal communication and teaching skills.  The Laboratory Technician III (NHP) will assist the Program Management in the efficient allocation of the budget, write and maintain reports and develop and maintain an effective relationship with the Government staff.

Primary duties include: (but not limited to)        

  • In the performance of their daily duties, the Laboratory Animal Technician III, NHP shall possess advanced technical knowledge of non-human primate colony health management to include, but not limited to daily colony health examinations, clinical observations of sick animals, health assessments, experimental manipulations, providing animal treatments as instructed by the veterinarian, and providing technical support (e.g. animal handling and restraint, injections, sample collection, treatments, minor surgical preparation, anesthetic recovery, post-operative observations, and assist with research procedures as directed)
  • Technician shall perform or assist in providing technical functions required by research protocols, perform animal husbandry - which can include feed, watering, and cleaning cages as required
  • Provide environmental enrichment and/or behavioral assessments and maintains animal health records
  • Communicates with veterinary support staff, facility veterinarian(s), investigators and other staff members regarding the health of animals and experimental manipulations as needed 
  • The Laboratory Animal Technician III, NHP shall have knowledge of animal behavior and practical experience working with animals to habituate them to new procedures, equipment, and environments through training and positive reinforcement
  • Provide relevant task-specific technical, husbandry and administrative training to WRAIR/NMRC animal users
  • Utilizing didactic and hands-on technical training methods, provide initial and refresher training to maintain and enhance employee skills and capabilities related to laboratory animal techniques
  • Actively interact with customers as required to solve customer requests, inquiries, and complaints and to provide technical assistance
  • Works with contract training staff to formulate teaching outline and determine instructional methods such as individual training, group instruction, or demonstrations to attain task proficiency 
  • Understand and follow all SOPs and Quality Assurance Standards.
  • Participate in weekly technical or SOP training
  • Safely and correctly handle and restrain animals for observation and/or minor procedures
  • Collect physiological data (pulse, respiration, heart rate, body temperature, etc).
  • Collect, preserve, and prepare blood, urine, fecal samples and skin scrapings.
  • Assist with animal receipts and shipping
  • Maintain inventory of technical supplies, such as medications, and procedure room supplies
  • Reports all animal and personnel issues and concerns to the appropriate chain of command
  • Euthanize and dispose of animals per SOP/policy
  • Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

  • BS/BA and five years of experience performing duties as a Laboratory Animal Technician is preferred. 
  • American Association of Laboratory Animal Science certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level required
  • Must attain and maintain access to workplace as set forth by WRAIR personnel, access and security requirements.
  • Maintain all contract requirements to include quality of work, occupational health (e.g., vaccinations) and training.
  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
  • Knowledge of PCs, Microsoft Office software and database systems.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $30 - $34 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No