Hiring guide · Science, Engineering & Lab
How to Hire a Biological Technician
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring biological technicians, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $57,510), recruit through community college and university engineering technology and science programs, verify ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for biological technicians
There are about 74,400 biological technicians employed in the U.S., with roughly 9,400 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +7.4% from 2025–35 (much faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $40,330–$48,130 | $19.39–$23.14 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $57,510 | $27.65 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $71,520 | $34.38 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $84,940 | $40.84 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Bachelor's degree (typical entry level)
- Cell culture
- Attention to detail
Nice-to-haves
- ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology
- GLP and GMP training
- Biosafety training
- Experience with pipettes
Where to find biological technicians
- Community college and university engineering technology and science programs
- Co-op and internship programs
- Professional societies such as ASCE, ASME and IEEE
- Military technical veterans
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Research Technician, Lab Research Assistant, Biotech Technician, Research Associate
Screening checklist
- Degree, transcript or credential verification (PE, FE, ASCP) where required
- A practical exercise, lab test or CAD drawing review
- Background checks for regulated or secure facilities
- Reference checks focused on accuracy and documentation
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “What techniques do you know?”
What a strong answer includes: List them.
2. “How do you prevent contamination?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
3. “How do you handle a failed experiment?”
What a strong answer includes: Troubleshoot.
4. “How do you keep records?”
What a strong answer includes: Describe.
5. “Why research?”
What a strong answer includes: Share interest.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Use Aseptic Technique (see the steps)
- Set Up a PCR Reaction (see the steps)
- Keep a Good Lab Notebook (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as PCR, Aseptic technique, Cell culture
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Biological Technician 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Biological Technician training. Show them the path forward: Lab Technician → Research Associate → Senior Associate or Lab Manager → Scientist.
Hiring biological technicians: FAQ
How much should I pay a biological technician?
The U.S. median wage for biological technicians is $57,510 per year ($27.65/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($48,130), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($71,520). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a biological technician have?
BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology and GLP and GMP training where relevant, plus skills such as cell culture, pcr and molecular biology, and microscopy.
How long does it take to train a new biological technician?
Becoming qualified typically takes 4 years. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “none.”