Biological Technicians

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists with tasks such as laboratory setup, data collection, and observation. They also may analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

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 and maintain detailed records that summarize their findings

Biological technicians, sometimes called laboratory assistants, typically are responsible for doing scientific tests, experiments, and analyses under the supervision of biological scientists or medical scientists who direct and evaluate their work. Biological technicians use a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment to conduct experiments. They also use computer software to collect, analyze, and model experimental data.

Biological technicians work in many research areas. For example, technicians who assist medical researchers may administer new medicines and treatments to laboratory animals. Those who work with zoologists and wildlife biologists may separate proteins from animal cell material and analyze data from experiments. Technicians helping microbiologists may study living microbes and perform techniques such as staining specimens to aid identification.

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

Biological technicians held about 82,700 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of biological technicians were as follows:

Biological technicians typically work in laboratories and offices. Some biological technicians, such as those who assist the work of zoologists and wildlife biologists, collect samples in the field. They may need to hike rugged terrain or otherwise travel through wilderness areas, often while exposed to extreme weather or other harsh conditions.

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

Work Schedules

Most biological technicians work full time.

To enter the occupation, biological technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.

The median annual wage for biological technicians was $52,000 in May 2024.

Employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 9,100 openings for biological technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.