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How much do lab animal research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab animal research in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Animal Research vs Laboratory Animal Technician?

AspectLab Animal ResearchLaboratory Animal Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, animal science, or related field; certifications like AALAS ALAT often preferredUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like AALAS ALAT are common
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, laboratories, academic institutionsVeterinary clinics, research labs, animal care facilities
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, universitiesResearch labs, animal care facilities, biotech companies

Lab Animal Research professionals focus on designing and conducting experiments involving animals, often requiring advanced degrees and research certifications. Laboratory Animal Technicians primarily handle daily animal care, ensuring proper housing and health, with less emphasis on research design. Both roles are vital in the animal research industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Animal Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Animal Researcher, you need a background in biological sciences, animal care, and research methodology, typically supported by a relevant degree and animal handling experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, animal management software, and certifications like AALAS are commonly required. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and strong teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These qualifications ensure the welfare of lab animals, compliance with regulations, and the integrity of research outcomes.

What is lab animal research?

Lab animal research involves the use of animals in scientific experiments to understand biological processes, test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, and advance medical knowledge. Researchers work with species like mice, rats, and sometimes larger animals under strict ethical guidelines to ensure humane treatment. This field is crucial for biomedical discoveries and the development of new medicines, vaccines, and therapies. Scientists and technicians working in lab animal research are responsible for animal care, conducting experiments, and maintaining accurate records. The work is regulated by laws and overseen by institutional committees to ensure animal welfare.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in lab animal research, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in lab animal research often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to ethical standards, managing the health and welfare of animals, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Balancing the demands of research timelines with animal care requirements can also be demanding. These challenges are typically managed through rigorous training, clear communication within research teams, and regular collaboration with veterinarians and compliance officers. Building strong teamwork and staying updated on best practices can help professionals navigate these complexities effectively.
More about Lab Animal Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Lab Animal Research jobs? Cities with the most Lab Animal Research job openings:
What states have the most Lab Animal Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Lab Animal Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lab Animal Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Animal Research jobs are:
Lab Animal Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Animal Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,815 per year, or $22 per hour.
Animal Health Technician Senior

Animal Health Technician Senior

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Northwestern University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine
Salary/Grade: NEX/14
Job Summary:
Performs daily health monitoring, minor surgery, clinical care, and enrichment for laboratory animals. Manages the rodent sentinel program and provides training to CCM and research personnel. Coordinates scheduling for coverage area.
Please note: Must be able to lift 20 to 25 lbs. Must be able to work a shift schedule that includes working both Saturdays and Sundays, possibly a staggered work schedule, occasional overtime and holidays as required. Must be able to read, write, and comprehend English in order to read signage and to read and update animal health records. Work space may be small, non-private and close to other work stations where noise level can be high. This position requires the individual to be available to work on either the Chicago and Evanston campuses as coverage needs dictate.
Must be enrolled in the university's occupational health program which entails filling out a health questionnaire. The health questionnaire is submitted to the university's occupational health provider for review. Must be willing to undergo job-related background check.
*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.
Specific Responsibilities:
Surgical Support
  • Performs minor surgeries and assists the clinical veterinarians or other qualified individuals with surgical procedures. Prepares sterile instrument packs and prepares surgical suite animals for aseptic surgery. Administers anesthetic agents, intravenous fluids, and monitors anesthesia and post-surgical recovery. Submits surgery billing statements to CCM business office on a monthly basis for recharge to investigators (essential function for cost recovery).
Clinical Rounds
  • Performs daily rounds to triage new animal health reports and monitor ongoing clinical cases. Communicates with veterinary staff and laboratory personnel to notify and update regarding the status of clinical cases. Performs physical examinations, makes treatment recommendations, performs treatments, and consults with clinical veterinarians regarding health reports.
Environmental Enrichment
  • Ensures that environmental and social enrichment is provided to the laboratory animals. Facilitates training of a variety of research animals (NHPs, pigs, cats) in various areas (clicker training, etc.). Orders and prepares enrichment supplies. Observes and oversees pair and group housing.
Colony Health Sentinel Program
  • Coordinates the rodent colony health monitoring program (Sentinel Program) and incoming rodent quarantine program. Responsibilities include scheduling of quarterly and quarantine sentinel shipments with the diagnostic laboratory, ordering of replacement sentinels and review of the testing results.
Drugs, Supplies and Testing
  • Dispenses non-controlled drugs and supplies form the CCM pharmacy to laboratory personnel. Performs periodic inventories of drugs, supplies, assay kits and instruments. Prepares and submits animals or specimens (blood, tissue, feces) for testing at diagnostic laboratories as determined necessary by the clinical veterinarians.
Teaching/Training
  • Trains animal care staff, laboratory personnel and interns in proper animal restraint, barrier technique and asepsis. Trains laboratory personnel, interns, and AHTs in technical procedures such as intravenous injections, blood collection, intubation, catheterization, etc.
Regulatory
  • Remains current with all regulations pertaining to laboratory animals including the Guide, Animal Welfare Act, etc. Maintains technical familiarity with a wide range of clinical and experimental procedures for a variety of laboratory animal species. Participates in various staff meetings, staff training and continuing professional education. Becomes familiar with relevant Animal Study Protocols and meets with investigators and laboratory personnel to discuss research needs and animal health concerns.
Miscellaneous
Performed other duties
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)
  • Successful completion of a college level curriculum in veterinary technology requiring a minimum of two years of full-time academic study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association OR completion of a 4-year degree in animal science, biology, veterinary science, zoology or related field.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience as an animal health technician in laboratory animal medicine OR 5 years' experience as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician in a veterinary medical facility and
  • AALAS certified ALAT or equivalent combination of relevant work or education experience.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Must be able to type and have working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and e-mail software.
  • Lab animal care
Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)
  • At least 1 year experience in a laboratory animal research facility
  • Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Research at the LAT level
  • Current state board licensure in veterinary technology in at least one state
  • Experience in animal research
Target hiring range for this position will be between $24.00-$33.50 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
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