Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Biological technicians work in a science-focused career that blends hands-on technical work with analytical thinking. With national employment of 83,000, this is an established occupation that offers opportunities across the country. A typical entry path is through a bachelor’s degree, supported by strengths in science, computers and information technology, mathematics, and critical and analytical thinking. The role rewards people who are detail oriented, adaptable, and comfortable with both fine motor and mechanical tasks. Strong reading and writing abilities and project management skills also contribute to success in this field. National employment is projected to grow by 3.5%, and there are an estimated 9,000 annual openings, suggesting ongoing demand from both new and replacement positions. For those exploring related paths, similar options include other life, physical, and social science technicians, geological technicians, chemical technicians, electrical and electronics drafters, and other engineering technologists and technicians.
Biological technicians earn a national median salary of $52,000, with pay varying by location. Several states offer higher median salaries, including California at $71,440, Massachusetts at $62,070, New York at $61,210, Washington at $60,800, and Colorado at $59,400. At the metro level, some areas stand out even more. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro reports a median salary of $95,220, one of the highest listed. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA shows $72,940, while New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is at $62,780. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also offer median salaries above $60,000. These differences highlight that earnings can be significantly higher in certain states and metros compared with the national median, which may influence where biological technicians choose to focus their job search and long-term career plans.
The national outlook for biological technicians shows steady conditions, with employment of 83,000 and projected growth of 3.5%. This growth rate, combined with an estimated 9,000 annual openings, indicates that opportunities are expected to continue over time. Annual openings reflect both new positions and the need to replace workers who retire or move into other roles. The presence of clearly defined similar occupations—such as other life, physical, and social science technicians; geological technicians; chemical technicians; electrical and electronics drafters; and other engineering technologists and technicians—also suggests potential pathways for career movement within technical and scientific fields. Overall, the combination of existing employment, projected growth, and recurring openings provides a stable environment for students, early-career professionals, and career changers considering this occupation and planning their next steps.
Location plays a major role in opportunity for biological technicians, with some states and metros standing out on both pay and overall CareerGPS opportunity scores. Among states, California leads with a median salary of $71,440, employment of 9,210, growth of 3.5%, and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts follows closely with an opportunity score of 65.87 and employment of 8,430, while New York posts a score of 65.78. Washington and Colorado also offer strong combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores in the mid-50s. At the metro level, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ areas both have very high opportunity scores above 77. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA stands out for its $95,220 median salary and solid opportunity score of 68.75. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also offer strong opportunity scores and sizable employment, giving job seekers multiple attractive regional choices.
Biological technicians typically enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, which aligns with the mix of scientific, analytical, and technical skills associated with this occupation. Success in this role draws on a strong foundation in science and mathematics, supported by computers and information technology skills. The work also relies on critical and analytical thinking, careful attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing tasks or projects. Fine motor and mechanical skills are important for hands-on aspects of the job, while solid writing and reading abilities support documentation and communication. Project management skills help technicians organize tasks, manage timelines, and contribute effectively within larger scientific or technical efforts. For students and career changers, building these skill areas alongside a bachelor’s degree can strengthen readiness for entry-level roles and provide a base for advancement or movement into related occupations.
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