Biological Technicians
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.
Also called: Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Biological Science Lab Tech) · Biological Science Technician · Biological Technician · Laboratory Technician · Marine Fisheries Technician · Research Assistant
Median pay (national)
$52,000
$38,060–$81,990 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
76,190
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+3.5%
~9,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for biological technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $81,990 versus $38,060 at the bottom 10% — 2.2x. The median of $52,000 leaves roughly 58% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +3.5% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 9,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, Massachusetts pays the most for this role (median $65,020, +25% vs the national median), while South Dakota sits lowest at $39,560 — a 64% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Science
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
- Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
- 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.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Input data into databases.
- Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
- Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft .NET Framework
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe Photoshop
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- SAS
- BD Biosciences CellQuest
- BoxShade
- ClustalW
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database software
- Gene Codes Sequencher
- Gene Runner
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Graphics software
- Harvard Graphics
Knowledge areas
- Biology
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
- Administrative
- Law and Government