As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Animal Technician I in the United States is $41,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Laboratory Animal Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Laboratory Animal Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Laboratory Animal Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Laboratory Animal Technician I | $40,884 |
| Intermediate Level Laboratory Animal Technician I | $41,704 |
| Senior Level Laboratory Animal Technician I | $43,167 |
| Specialist Level Laboratory Animal Technician I | $43,324 |
| Expert Level Laboratory Animal Technician I | $43,428 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Laboratory Animal Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 10.29% |
| Housekeeping | 2.21% |
| Reserve Management | 1.44% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Reserve Management
|
$59,072 |
42%
|
|
Leadership
|
$52,000 |
25%
|
|
Initiative
|
$47,008 |
13%
|
|
Workday
|
$46,592 |
12%
|
|
Presentation
|
$46,176 |
11%
|
|
SOP
|
$44,928 |
8%
|
Laboratory Animal Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,207. While startup companies pay approximate $40,058.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $40,058 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $42,332 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $45,618 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $47,207 |
For Laboratory Animal Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Chemicals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Animal Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Animal Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $54,080 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Chemicals | $45,760 | $22.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Animal Technician Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Laboratory Animal Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,761 and $41,851).
Laboratory Animal Technician I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 30.0% |
| Associates | 33.2% |
| Bachelors | 29.7% |
| Masters | 4.8% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Animal Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Laboratory Animal Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Laboratory Animal Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $49,700 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for a Laboratory Animal Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,941 in 2023 to around $44,466 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Laboratory Animal Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,941 |
| 2024 | $44,940 |
| 2025 | $44,466 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Animal Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Animal lab technicians typically earn between $40,400 and $46,700 annually, with a median salary of around $41,900. While some states may offer lower average salaries, the overall compensation reflects the specialized skills required for this role.
The highest salary that a Laboratory Animal Technician can earn is $46,700 per year. This translates to approximately $3,891.67 per month. The top-paying industries for Laboratory Animal Technicians often include research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and academic settings.
The salary for a Laboratory Animal Technician in the USA ranges from $40,400 to $46,700 per year, with a mid-salary of approximately $41,900. These figures reflect the typical earnings in this field, providing a clear overview of potential compensation for this role.
Among technical jobs, the Laboratory Animal Technician offers a salary range from $40,400 to $46,700, with a mid-salary of $41,900. While other technical roles may pay more, this position provides a competitive salary within the field.
Some lab technician jobs typically involve eight-hour shifts, but those in specialized and industrial fields may work longer hours. Given that many clinics, hospitals, and doctors' offices operate 24/7, clinical lab technicians often take shifts that include overnight and early morning hours. Salaries for Laboratory Animal Technicians range from $40,400 to $46,700, with a mid-salary of $41,900.
While lab technicians generally report high job satisfaction, stress and burnout are common issues. AACC's survey found that over 85% of clinical lab technicians experienced burnout at some point. The salary range for Laboratory Animal Technicians is between $40,400 and $46,700, which may contribute to job-related pressures in this field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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