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Biological Technicians

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.

Median pay: $52,000; per year
10-year outlook: +3.5%; Stable
Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Science
Active Learning
Writing
Speaking
Monitoring

What they do

Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
Input data into databases.
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.

Majors that lead here

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, Employment Projections) and O*NET, used under CC BY 4.0.