Biological technicians
SOC Code: 19-4021
Biological technicians carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $52,000 and +3.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 82,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Biological technicians (SOC 19-4021) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 82,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $52,000, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Biological technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- 2. Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- 3. Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
- 4. Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- 5. Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- 6. Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- 7. Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
- 8. Input data into databases.
- 9. Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
- 10. Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Science
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Biology
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
- Administrative
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Biological technicians?
Biological technicians has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Biological technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Biological technicians is projected to grow by 3.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 82,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Biological technicians?
Key skills for Biological technicians include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Biological technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Biological technicians is $52,000, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Biological technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Biological technicians is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Biological technicians?
Biological technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).