Science
Biological technician
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Median pay
$57,510
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
9,400
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Biological technician
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Biological technician: 35% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
- Input data into databases.
- Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
- Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Also called: Biological Science Lab Tech (Biological Science Laboratory Technician) · Biological Science Technician (Biological Science Tech) · Biologist Aide · Biologist Technician (Biologist Tech) · Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech) · Fisheries Biological Technician (Fisheries Biological Tech) · Marine Fisheries Technician (Marine Fisheries Tech) · Microbiology Technician (Microbiology Tech)
Outlook and AI
Biological technicians held 74,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 79,900 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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