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: Aquatic Technician (Aquatic Tech), Aquatics Technician (Aquatics Tech), Artificial Breeding Lab Tech (Artificial Breeding Laboratory Technician), Artificial Breeding Technician (Artificial Breeding Tech), Artificial Inseminator, Babcock Tester
Median pay
$57,510
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,330 – $84,940
People employed
69,620
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Biological Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What biological technicians do
- 01Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- 02Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- 03Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
- 04Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
- 05Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
- 06Input data into databases.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Science
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from biological technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians78% · group pay
- Chemists78% · +59%
- Microbiologists74% · +53%
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists70% · +76%
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians70% · +4%
Change into biological technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Biologists71% · $98,920
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians71% · $66,120
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists69% · $50,290
- Anesthesiologist Assistants68% · $135,880
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists68% · $98,920
Majors that lead here
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- Biomedical Sciences, General
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology, General
- Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Animal Behavior and Ethology
- Wildlife Biology
- Genetics, General
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.