All careersEngineering & science

Biological Technician

$52,000
median pay per year
full range coming in the next data update

What the job actually is

Set up and run lab experiments, collect and record data, and maintain equipment for scientists.

Where you work

Research labs in universities and industry

The hours

Regular weekday hours

By the numbers

May 2024–25 BLS wage data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.

Median pay
$52,000
per year
What most earn
range coming soon
Openings a year
~9,100
projected, 2024–34
Outlook to 2034
+4%
About average
Working in the U.S.
82,700
people, nationwide

Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.

“Median” means half earn more and half earn less. Your city, employer, and years on the job move it a lot — that is what the 10th-to-90th range shows.

How you get in

Typical starting education

Bachelor's degree

Training path: Bachelor's degree.

License or certification

No license required to start in most places.

What it takes

Lab techniquesAttention to detailData recordingCareful method

The honest take

A lab entry point into science with a bachelor's, and useful footing toward research or health careers.

Standard Occupational Classification 19-4021. Pay, employment, and outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wage survey and 2024–34 employment projections). See something off? Tell us.