Biological Technicians
Biological technicians assist scientists by setting up and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, and collecting samples and data. They work in hospitals, research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostic labs, performing tasks like analyzing blood, food, and drugs. The role involves hands-on laboratory work combined with careful documentation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against biological technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A biological technician might spend the morning calibrating microscopes and preparing slides for analysis, then collecting blood samples from patients or monitoring an ongoing cell culture experiment. The afternoon could involve recording observations, entering data into computer systems, and preparing materials for the next day's experiments. Tasks vary by workplace but consistently involve precise technical work, equipment maintenance, and maintaining detailed records of results.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this role if you prefer working with concrete, tangible tasks and established procedures rather than abstract concepts. People who excel here tend to be organized and detail-oriented, comfortable following systematic processes, and enjoy hands-on laboratory work that produces measurable, observable results.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Biological Science Technician · Agricultural Research Service · Urbana, Illinois · $45409–$65599
- Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) · Veterans Health Administration · Portland, Oregon · $43892–$63605
- Biological Scence Technician (Wildlife) (Seasonal) · National Park Service · Multiple Locations · $22.76–$29.58
- Biological Science Technician · National Park Service · Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming · $55882–$80243
- WOC - Research Biological Science Lab Technician · Veterans Health Administration · San Diego, California · $0–$0
- Biological Science Lab Tech (A · Veterans Health Administration · Kansas City, Missouri · $41769–$54300
- Biological Science Technician (Fisheries)(Seasonal) · National Park Service · Ashland, Oregon · $29.57–$38.45
- Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) (Seasonal) · National Park Service · Pago Pago, American Samoa · $19.52–$25.37
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $56,200 | $71,440 | $93,010 | 9,210 |
| New Jersey | $57,490 | $66,040 | $83,310 | 1,290 |
| District of Columbia | $49,370 | $64,770 | $69,910 | 210 |
| Connecticut | $58,860 | $62,360 | $80,970 | 650 |
| Massachusetts | $51,190 | $62,070 | $81,450 | 8,430 |
| North Carolina | $48,790 | $61,720 | $66,570 | 2,460 |
| New York | $47,820 | $61,210 | $73,240 | 5,050 |
| Washington | $50,420 | $60,800 | $65,600 | 3,210 |
| Maine | $50,180 | $60,160 | $64,960 | 510 |
| Colorado | $49,750 | $59,400 | $79,380 | 1,990 |
| Indiana | $49,750 | $58,790 | $77,190 | 1,020 |
| Delaware | $48,920 | $58,550 | $67,710 | 180 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) — American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against biological technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-4021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.