Microbiologist
Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products.
- $87,990
- 4+ years
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Biological Technician
Also called: Research Technician · Lab Research Assistant · Biotech Technician · Research Associate
What biological technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a biological technician do?
Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct lab tests and experiments, preparing samples, running assays and recording data. The median pay is $57,510 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +7.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$57,510$27.65/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+7.4%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year9,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs74,400Employment, 2025
What biological technicians do
Biological technicians do the bench work behind discoveries. They culture cells and microbes, extract DNA and proteins, run PCR and other assays, care for research organisms, operate lab equipment, analyze data and keep careful records. They work in universities, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and government labs.
Most biological technicians have a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Employment is projected to grow faster than average as biotech expands.
Typical duties
- Prepare samples and reagents
- Run experiments and assays
- Culture cells and microorganisms
- Operate lab instruments
- Record and analyze data
- Maintain lab supplies and equipment
- Follow safety and quality procedures
Work environment and schedule
Biological technicians work in labs, sometimes with biohazards and research animals.
Schedule: Most work full-time; experiments sometimes need weekend checks.
A day in the life
- Check cell cultures under the microscope.
- Extract DNA from samples.
- Set up a PCR run.
- Lab meeting on experiment results.
See a full day in the life of a biological technician →
Biological Technician salary
Half of biological technicians earned more than $57,510 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $40,330 for the lowest 10% to $84,940 for the top 10%.
Full biological technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a biological technician
- Study biology
- Get research experience
- Get hired
- Learn techniques
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry or a related field is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a biological technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Cell culture
- PCR and molecular biology
- Microscopy
- Aseptic technique
- Data analysis
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Patience
- Organization
- Teamwork
All biological technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Contribute to research
- Hands-on science
- Path to graduate school
Cons
- Repetitive tasks
- Pay modest for a bachelor’s
- Grant-dependent jobs
- Biohazard exposure
Certifications and licenses
- ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology: Molecular credential.
- GLP and GMP training: Regulated lab training.
- Biosafety training: Required in many labs.
- AALAS certification: For animal research.
Career path
- Lab Technician: Run experiments.
- Research Associate: Lead experiments.
- Senior Associate or Lab Manager: Manage labs.
- Scientist: With graduate education.
Learn the job before day one
Our Biological Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as use aseptic technique and set up a PCR reaction, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Medical Laboratory Technician
Run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat patients.
- $62,930
- 2 years (technician) or 4 years (technologist)
Chemical Technician
Run chemical tests and experiments that support research and production.
- $60,390
- 2 years
Forensic Science Technician
Collect and analyze evidence that helps solve crimes.
- $72,060
- 4 years + training
Compare: Biological Technician vs. Microbiologist · Biological Technician vs. Medical Lab Tech · Biological Technician vs. Chemical Technician · Biological Technician vs. Forensic Technician
Biological Technician FAQ
Do biological technicians need a degree?
A bachelor’s degree is typical.
Is biotech growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
Is this a step toward grad school?
Often, yes.
How much does a biological technician make?
The median annual wage for biological technicians was $57,510 ($27.65 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,330 and the highest 10% earned more than $84,940.
How long does it take to become a biological technician?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry or a related field is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a biological technician?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More biological technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-4021 (Biological technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Biological technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.