Biological Technicians

People in this career spend their days assisting medical and biological scientists in laboratory settings. Daily tasks involve setting up, running, and maintaining delicate laboratory instruments. Technicians carefully monitor experiments, gather samples, make detailed observations, and analyze organic substances like food, blood, and drugs. They must calculate and record their findings with high precision.

Succeeding in this role requires a strong conventional interest, meaning a preference for structured, orderly work. Key skills include critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension, and a solid foundation in science. Technicians must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable. They rely on their knowledge of biology, chemistry, computers, and mathematics to solve complex problems and document their work. Communication is also vital, as these professionals frequently share information with supervisors and peers, and they may also train others in the lab.

To enter this field, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree along with several years of related work experience. Students preparing for this career often major in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, neurobiology, ecology, cell biology, microbiology, zoology, or computational biology.

While preparing for the job market, candidates can pursue professional certifications to demonstrate their skills. Examples include the Aseptic Processing Technician credential or the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam, both offered by Biotility at the University of Florida. Additionally, some states require biological technicians to hold a license to practice, so candidates should check local state guidelines.

The median annual pay for biological technicians was $57,510 in 2025. Earnings can vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $40,330 and the highest 10% earning more than $84,940.

With 69,620 people currently employed in this field, the occupation is growing. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to increase by 7.4%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal staff turnover, is expected to result in approximately 9,400 job openings each year.