Biological Technicians salary guide 2025: $57,510 median, career path & growth
Biological Technicians earned a median salary of $57,510 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% made over $84,940, while the bottom 10% earned around $40,330. With about 69,620 jobs nationwide, this occupation supports lab research in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
How much Biological Technicians earn
The median annual wage for Biological Technicians is $57,510, with a mean wage of $61,380 — roughly $28 per hour. Most techs earn between $40,330 (10th percentile) and $84,940 (90th percentile). Pay varies by industry: technicians working for the federal government or in pharmaceutical manufacturing tend to top the scale, while those in academic labs or smaller testing labs often earn near the median or lower.
Experience matters. Entry-level roles typically start around $40,000–$45,000. With 5–10 years of lab experience, moving into senior technician or lab manager roles can push pay toward $70,000–$85,000.
Pay by state
Where you work heavily affects this occupation’s salary. California tops the list with an average of $71,440, followed by New Jersey ($66,040), the District of Columbia ($64,770), Connecticut ($62,360), and Massachusetts ($62,070). These states have a dense concentration of biotech firms, research hospitals, and government labs.
Lower-paying states include Rhode Island ($45,530), Idaho ($42,130), and South Dakota ($41,300). That gap — roughly $30,000 between the highest and lowest states — reflects combined differences in local cost of living and industry mix.
How to become Biological Technician
A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related life science is the standard entry requirement. Some community colleges offer associate degrees that can lead to technician roles, but most employers prefer a four-year degree.
Relevant coursework includes microbiology, genetics, organic chemistry, and lab techniques. Hands-on lab experience — through internships, undergraduate research, or working as a lab assistant — boosts job prospects significantly.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field.
- Gain lab experience through internships or on-campus research roles.
- Consider certification (e.g., through ASCP) for specialized fields like clinical laboratory work.
- Apply for entry-level roles at universities, government agencies, or private testing labs.
Job outlook
Employment of Biological Technicians is projected to grow 3.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That sounds modest, but it translates to roughly 9,100 openings each year over the decade — many are replacements for workers who retire or change fields.
Growth is driven by ongoing research in biotechnology, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Labs are increasingly using automated equipment, but demand for human technicians to analyze results and maintain quality control keeps hiring steady.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Biological Technicians in 2025?
The BLS reports a 2024 median of $57,510. For planning, assume that figure will rise modestly with inflation; 2025 estimates are likely around $58,000–$59,000.
Is Biological Technician a good career?
It offers a solid median salary above the national average and stable demand. Advancement requires further education — many become research scientists with a master’s or PhD — but the role itself provides good lab experience.
How many Biological Technicians are there?
As of 2024, there were about 69,620 Biological Technicians employed in the U.S., with most working in scientific R&D, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or colleges and universities.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Biological Technicians data.