Biological Technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Biological Technicians, sometimes called laboratory assistants, typically are responsible for doing scientific tests, experiments, and analyses under the supervision of biologists (such as microbiologists) or medical scientists who direct and evaluate their work. Biological technicians use traditional laboratory instruments, advanced robotics, and automated equipment to conduct experiments.
They use specialized computer software to collect, analyze, and model experimental data. Some biological technicians, such as those who assist the work of zoologists and wildlife biologists, may collect samples in the field, so they may need the ability to hike rugged terrain or otherwise travel through wilderness areas.
Biological Technicians work in many research areas. They may assist medical researchers by administering new medicines and treatments to laboratory animals. They may separate proteins from other cell material, and analyze data from an experiment.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Biological Technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Biological Technicians, sometimes called laboratory assistants, typically are responsible for doing scientific tests, experiments, and analyses under the supervision of biologists (such as microbiologists) or medical scientists who direct and evaluate their work. Biological technicians use traditional laboratory instruments, advanced robotics, and automated equipment to conduct experiments.
They use specialized computer software to collect, analyze, and model experimental data. Some biological technicians, such as those who assist the work of zoologists and wildlife biologists, may collect samples in the field, so they may need the ability to hike rugged terrain or otherwise travel through wilderness areas.
Biological Technicians work in many research areas. They may assist medical researchers by administering new medicines and treatments to laboratory animals. They may separate proteins from other cell material, and analyze data from an experiment.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Job Prospects
Applicants who have laboratory experience, either through coursework or through previous work experience, should have the best opportunities.
Employment projections data for biological technicians, 2016-26
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 | Change, 2016-26 | Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||||
| Biological Technicians | 19-4021 | 82,100 | 90,400 | 10 | 8,400 |  xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment projections data for biological technicians, 2016-26
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Biological Technicians |
| SOC Code |
| 19-4021 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 82,100 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 90,400 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 10 |
| NUMERIC |
| 8,400 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Pay
The median annual wage for biological technicians was $43,800 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,120, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,560.
In May 2017, the median annual wages for biological technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $48,300 |
|---|---|
| Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences | $46,420 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools; State, Local, and Private | $44,000 |
| Hospitals; State, Local, and Private | $43,670 |
| Federal Government, Excluding Postal Service | $37,830 |
Most biological technicians work full time and keep regular hours.
Biological Technicians
Median annual wages, May 2017
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Job Outlook
Employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Greater demand for biological and medical research is expected to increase the need for these workers.
Biotechnology research plays a key role in scientific advancements that improve people’s quality of life. One new area of biotechnology, synthetic biology, will employ biological technicians in attempts to redesign biological systems or living organisms to produce useful things, such as chemicals, in more efficient ways than are currently used. New applications of biotechnology may be the subject of research topics ranging from new ways to produce biofuels to providing new treatments for diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Biological Technicians
Percent change in employment, projected 2016-26
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Run Your First Background Check for Biological Technicians
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Free Staffing Resources
Professional Recruiter and Staffing Organizations
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National Association of Personnel Services
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Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals
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American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment
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National Association of Executive Recruiters
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National Association for Health Care Recruitment
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association
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American Staffing Association
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Top Echelon Recruiting Network
