Median pay
$52,000
Median annual pay for Biological Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Science
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.
10-year growth
3.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
9,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
82,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Biological Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+2,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Biological Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Reading Comprehension
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Active Listening
- 4Science
- 5Active Learning
- 6Writing
Knowledge areas
- 1Biology
- 2English Language
- 3Mathematics
- 4Computers and Electronics
- 5Chemistry
- 6Education and Training
Abilities
- 1Inductive Reasoning
- 2Near Vision
- 3Oral Comprehension
- 4Information Ordering
- 5Oral Expression
- 6Deductive Reasoning
Career interests
- 1Conventional
- 2Realistic
- 3Investigative
- 4Social
- 5Enterprising
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Cautiousness
- 4Intellectual Curiosity
- 5Integrity
- 6Cooperation
Work activities
- 1Documenting/Recording Information
- 2Processing Information
- 3Analyzing Data or Information
- 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 5Getting Information
- 6Working with Computers
Work context
- 1E-Mail
- 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 6Contact With Others
Representative tasks
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
- Input data into databases.
- Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
Software and tools
Microsoft .NET Framework · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandSAS · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyAdobe Acrobat · hot technologyAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyESRI ArcGIS software · hot technology
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.