Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians

How to become a Biological Technician

Official title: Biological Technicians

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), Research Assistant, Research Associate

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.

Main 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.

How to become one

To enter the occupation, biological technicians typically need a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Bio-Manufacturing Technician (Downstream).
Apprenticeship: Bio-Manufacturing Technician (Upstream).
Apprenticeship: Dairy Technologist.
College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
College: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 23 universities in the US
Licence: A licence is required in 10 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $57,510 a year The middle half earn $48,130 to $71,520.
About 74,400 people work in this job now, and about 79,900 are projected by 2035. (+7.4%)
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Biological Technician?

To enter the occupation, biological technicians typically need a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.

How much does a Biological Technician earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $57,510 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $48,130 to $71,520.

Is a Biological Technician a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 74,400 to about 79,900 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Biological Technician?

Not always. 48% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Science degrees; Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Bio-Manufacturing Technician (Downstream).

Will AI change the work of a Biological Technician?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.