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.
Biological Technicians
SOC: 19-4021 O*NET: 19-4021.00
Median Salary
$52,000
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
9.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Biological Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,060
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,380
25th percentile
Median
$52,000
50th percentile
Experienced
$66,410
75th percentile
Top Earners
$81,990
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,060
25th
$45,380
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$52,000
Mean: $58,020
75th
$66,410
90th
$81,990
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $43,930 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,380 and $66,410
- •Salary spread is 40.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 76,190 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:82,700
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services41.1%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services41.1%
Scientific Research and Development Services35.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.5%
Annual Openings:9,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)82,700
Current
2034 (Projected)85,600
+3.5%
+2,900
Employment Change
+3.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Biological Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
10,680 jobs$64,0201.20x
Massachusetts
8,610 jobs$65,0204.78x
New York
5,040 jobs$58,7501.07x
Washington
4,140 jobs$52,6802.36x
Maryland
3,780 jobs$49,1102.78x
Texas
3,580 jobs$48,8300.52x
Pennsylvania
3,160 jobs$47,8201.06x
Florida
3,030 jobs$46,8400.62x
Ohio
2,520 jobs$49,9100.92x
Oregon
2,510 jobs$47,6902.58x
North Carolina
2,160 jobs$46,0500.89x
Colorado
1,970 jobs$54,6001.38x
Virginia
1,950 jobs$49,2500.97x
Minnesota
1,770 jobs$45,4301.22x
Wisconsin
1,730 jobs$49,5701.20x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Science
80%
#5
Active Learning
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Monitoring
54%
#9
Complex Problem Solving
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Science
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Learning
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Animal Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Forensic Science Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Physicians, Pathologists100%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Speaking
- →Monitoring
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Science
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Science
- ★Active Learning
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Biological Technicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
Microsoft Access
Adobe Acrobat
ESRI ArcGIS software
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Operations & Execution (1)Planning & Development (2)Management & Supervision (1)Analysis & Evaluation (3)
1
Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision82% perform88%
8
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Biological Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Biological Technicians professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Biological Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.62
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.49
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.45
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.36
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.13
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.13
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Dependability
4.5
Integrity
4.5
Independence
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Cooperation
4.1
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Self-Control
4.0
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Persistence
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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