Life, Physical & Social Science
Biological Technicians
Also called: Biological Science Lab Tech (Biological Science Laboratory Technician), Biological Science Technician (Biological Science Tech), Biologist Aide, Biologist Technician (Biologist Tech)
US median pay
$57,510
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.4%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
9,400
74,400 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.
- Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Systems Evaluation2.9/5
- Systems Analysis2.9/5
Knowledge
- Biology4.8/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Chemistry3.4/5
- Mathematics3.2/5
- Administrative2.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree63%
- Some college14%
- High school diploma14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.