Biological Technicians
SOC code 19-4021 · O*NET-SOC 19-4021.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Biological Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$57,510
a year
Hourly
$27.65
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$61,380
$29.51 per hour
Middle 50%
$48,130 – $71,520
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$40,330 – $84,940
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
69,620
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $40,330
- $19.39/hr
- 25th percentile
- $48,130
- $23.14/hr
- Median percentile
- $57,510
- $27.65/hr
- 75th percentile
- $71,520
- $34.39/hr
- 90th percentile
- $84,940
- $40.84/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+3%
Growing about as fast as average
82,700
jobs in 2024
85,600
projected for 2034
About 2,900 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a biological technician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
- Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
- 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.
How to become a biological technician
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 63% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree63%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)14%
- Some College Courses14%
- Post-Doctoral Training6%
Common questions
How much does a biological technician earn?
The national median is $57,510 a year. The full range runs from $40,330 at the 10th percentile to $84,940 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a biological technician without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is biological technician in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Science3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Writing3.5/5
- Active Learning3.5/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Biology4.8/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Chemistry3.4/5
- Mathematics3.2/5
- Administrative2.7/5
- Education and Training2.6/5
- Engineering and Technology2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.