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: Biological Science Lab Tech (Biological Science Laboratory Technician), Biological Science Technician (Biological Science Tech), Biologist Aide, Biologist Technician (Biologist Tech), Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech), Fisheries Biological Technician (Fisheries Biological Tech), Marine Fisheries Technician (Marine Fisheries Tech), Microbiology Technician (Microbiology Tech), Research Assistant, Research Associate, 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, Bacteriology Research Assistant, Bacteriology Technician (Bacteriology Tech), Biochemistry Technician (Biochemistry Tech), Biological Aide, Biological Field Technician (Biological Field Tech), Biological Research Technician (Biological Research Tech), Biological Science Aide, Biology Laboratory Assistant (Biology Lab Assistant), Biology Research Assistant, Biology Specimen Technician (Biology Specimen Tech), Bioprocess Associate, Biotechnician, Biotechnologist, Botany Laboratory Assistant, Culture Media Laboratory Assistant, Downstream Biomanufacturing Technician (Downstream Biomanufacturing Tech), Downstream Technician (Downstream Tech), Extraction Technician (Extraction Tech), Fiber Technologist, Fowl Blood Tester, Herbarium Worker, Medical Research Assistant, Microbiology Lab Tech (Microbiology Laboratory Technician), Microbiology QC Tech (Microbiology Quality Control Technician), Microbiology Technologist, Specimen Technician (Specimen Tech), Upstream Biomanufacturing Technician

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Science
Critical Thinking
Writing
Active Learning
Speaking
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making
Mathematics
Coordination

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (14.46% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

48,130–71,520 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 19-4021.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (14.46% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Biological Technicians