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 |
For more information about career opportunities in the biological sciences, visit
American Institute of Biological Sciences
American Society for Cell Biology
American Society for Microbiology
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
To find job openings for biological technicians in the federal government, visit
CareerOneStop
For a career video on biological technicians, visit
O*NET
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Biological Technicians,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biological-technicians.htm (visited ).