Biology technician
Also known as: biology laboratory technician, wildlife laboratory technician, marine biologist, life sciences technician, animal biologist, biology lab technician
About this occupation
Biology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and analysing the relationship between living organisms and their environment. They use laboratory equipment to examine organic substances such as bodily fluids, medicines, plants and food. They collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
A specialisation of scientific laboratory technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- analyse experimental laboratory data
- write technical reports
- collect biological data
- scientific research methodology
- assist in the production of laboratory documentation
- maintain laboratory equipment
- apply scientific methods
- calibrate laboratory equipment
- use laboratory equipment
- collect samples for analysis
- manage inventory
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Biological Technicians (O*NET 19-4021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
- Input data into databases.
- Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
- Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Science, Critical Thinking, Writing, Active Learning
US median pay: US$57,510 a year (2025), 69,620 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyExtremely important (4.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Chemical Technicians
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Histotechnologists
- Agricultural Technicians
- Histology Technicians
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.