What Biological Technicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Biological Technicians this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities"; "Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards"; "Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination"; "Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties"; "Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Biological Technicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 74,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 79,900 in 2035, an increase of 5,500 jobs (+7.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 9,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $57,510, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Biological Technicians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $61,596 in New Hampshire to $62,138 in Massachusetts, a gap of $542 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $57,510 and 0 average at or below it.
Massachusetts employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,430, which is 53.0% of the 15,920 counted across them. New Hampshire follows with 7,490.
Highest-paying states
Massachusetts ($62,138) and New Hampshire ($61,596) lead the ranking, while New Hampshire ($61,596) and Massachusetts ($62,138) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Biological Technicians
How much do Biological Technicians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $57,510. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $61,596 to $62,138.
Which state pays Biological Technicians the most?
Massachusetts, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $62,138. New Hampshire is next at $61,596.
Is Biological Technicians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 9,400 openings a year.
What education do Biological Technicians need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.