What Biological Technicians Do

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEr_X2rDM-0

Work Environment

Biological technicians typically work in laboratories. Most biological technicians work full time.

How to Become a Biological Technician

Biological technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field. It is important for prospective biological technicians to gain laboratory experience while in school.

Pay

The median annual wage for biological technicians was $45,860 in May 2019.

Job Outlook

Employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in biotechnology and medical research is expected to increase demand for these workers.

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.

Duties

Biological technicians typically do the following:

Set up, maintain, and clean laboratory instruments and equipment, such as microscopes, scales, pipets, and test tubes
Gather and prepare biological samples, such as blood, food, and bacteria cultures, for laboratory analysis
Conduct biological tests and experiments
Document their work, including procedures, observations, and results
Analyze experimental data and interpret results
Write reports that summarize their findings

Biological technicians, sometimes called laboratory assistants, typically are responsible for doing scientific tests, experiments, and analyses under the supervision of biologists (such as microbiologists) or medical scientists who direct and evaluate their work. Biological technicians use traditional laboratory instruments, advanced robotics, and automated equipment to conduct experiments. They use specialized computer software to collect, analyze, and model experimental data. Some biological technicians, such as those who assist the work of zoologists and wildlife biologists, may collect samples in the field, so they may need the ability to hike rugged terrain or otherwise travel through wilderness areas.

Biological technicians work in many research areas. They may assist medical researchers by administering new medicines and treatments to laboratory animals. They may separate proteins from other cell material, and analyze data from an experiment.

Biological technicians working in a microbiological context typically study living microbes and perform techniques specific to microbiology, such as staining specimens to aid identification.

Biological technicians also may work in private industry and assist in the study of a wide range of topics concerning industrial production. They may test samples in environmental impact studies, or monitor production processes to help ensure that products are not contaminated.

Biological technicians held about 87,500 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of biological technicians were as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	32%
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	27
Hospitals; state, local, and private	10
Federal government, excluding postal service	8
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing	5

Biological technicians typically work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct experiments and analyze the results under the supervision of biological scientists and medical scientists. Some biological technicians who do fieldwork may be exposed to weather events and wildlife, such as mosquitoes.

Biological technicians must follow strict procedures to avoid contaminating the experiment, themselves, or the environment. Some experiments may involve dangerous organisms or toxic substances.

Biological technicians work together on teams under the direction of biologists or other scientists.

Work Schedules

Most biological technicians work full time and keep regular hours.

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of biological technicians.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2019
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians	Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists.	Associate’s degree	$41,230
Biochemists and Biophysicists	Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.	Doctoral or professional degree	$94,490
Chemical Technicians	Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to assist chemists and chemical engineers.	Associate’s degree	$49,260
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians	Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.	Associate’s degree	$46,540
Epidemiologists	Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.	Master’s degree	$70,990
Forensic Science Technicians	Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.	Bachelor’s degree	$59,150
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.	Bachelor’s degree	$53,120
Medical Scientists	Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.	Doctoral or professional degree	$88,790
Microbiologists	Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.	Bachelor’s degree	$75,650
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems.	Bachelor’s degree	$63,270