Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 32.9%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $38290 and average student debt of $12609, the financial outlook for Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $38290, with grads carrying about $12609 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.33—which is excellent for paying off loans quickly.
Each year, over 1240 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician (CIP 41.0101) is an applied STEM field focused on using biological science and laboratory technology to support research, healthcare, manufacturing, and biotechnology innovation. This degree prepares students to work directly with living systems, biological samples, and advanced lab equipment, translating scientific theory into practical results. Rather than emphasizing abstract research alone, this program is designed around hands-on skills, precision, and real-world laboratory workflows.
For a degree search site, Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician represents career-focused science with strong job alignment. Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, driving advances in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, diagnostics, and environmental science. Skilled technicians are essential to keeping labs running efficiently, safely, and accurately. This degree appeals to students who want a direct pathway into biology-related careers without committing to long, theory-heavy research tracks.
What Is a Biology/Biotechnology Technology Degree?
A Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician degree is an applied science program that trains students to perform laboratory procedures, operate biotechnology equipment, and assist scientists and engineers in biological research and production settings. Programs are commonly offered at community colleges, technical institutes, and applied universities and may lead to associate or bachelor’s degrees.
This degree emphasizes:
- Practical laboratory and biotech techniques
- Handling and analysis of biological samples
- Use of modern biotechnology equipment
- Quality control, documentation, and compliance
- Applied problem-solving in biological systems
Institutions offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for entry-level and mid-level biotech technician roles
- Support workforce needs in healthcare, pharma, and biotech
- Provide faster entry into STEM careers
- Serve as a foundation for specialization or further education
It is ideal for students who prefer applied science and structured lab environments.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how biological research and biotechnology operations function in real laboratories. You’ll gain experience preparing samples, running experiments, maintaining sterile environments, and documenting results according to industry and regulatory standards.
The curriculum blends foundational biology with technical training, ensuring graduates can work effectively in professional lab settings from day one.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Laboratory techniques—pipetting, culturing, staining, and sample prep
- Biotechnology procedures—DNA, RNA, and protein analysis
- Equipment operation—centrifuges, PCR machines, spectrophotometers
- Aseptic and sterile technique—preventing contamination
- Data collection and documentation—accurate lab records
- Quality control and assurance—meeting industry standards
- Safety and compliance—biosafety and regulatory protocols
- Team collaboration—supporting scientists and production teams
These skills are essential in regulated biotech and healthcare environments.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by program but commonly includes:
- General Biology: cell structure, genetics, and metabolism
- Microbiology: bacteria, viruses, and lab culturing
- Molecular Biology: DNA, RNA, and protein function
- Biotechnology Techniques: PCR, electrophoresis, cloning
- Cell Culture and Tissue Techniques: growing and maintaining cells
- Biochemistry Basics: enzymes and metabolic pathways
- Laboratory Safety and Regulations: biosafety and compliance
- Quality Assurance and GMP: good manufacturing practices
- Internship or Practicum: real-world lab experience
Many programs emphasize repeated hands-on practice rather than lecture-heavy instruction.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician degree prepares students for immediate employment in laboratory and biotech support roles. Advancement often comes with experience, certifications, or further education.
Common career paths include:
- Biotechnology Technician: supporting biotech research or production
- Laboratory Technician: performing routine biological tests
- Clinical or Diagnostic Lab Technician: healthcare testing roles (with requirements)
- Quality Control or Quality Assurance Technician: ensuring product standards
- Research Technician: assisting academic or industrial research
- Manufacturing or Process Technician: biotech production environments
- Environmental or Food Testing Technician: biological analysis roles
- Transfer or Advancement Path: biology, biotech, or healthcare degrees
This degree is well-suited for students who want to enter the workforce quickly.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in settings that rely on biological and biotech expertise:
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories
- Research universities and institutes
- Medical device and life science firms
- Food, agriculture, and environmental labs
- Government and public health agencies
- Manufacturing and quality testing facilities
Biotech technicians are critical to regulated, high-precision environments.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on industry, location, and level of responsibility.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level biotech or lab technicians: often $45,000–$60,000
- Experienced technicians or specialists: commonly $60,000–$80,000
- Advanced or supervisory technical roles: can reach $85,000–$100,000+
Certifications, GMP experience, and specialization increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician programs are considered moderately challenging. While they require less advanced theory than research biology degrees, they demand precision, consistency, and strong attention to detail. Students must be comfortable following protocols and working in controlled lab environments.
The challenge lies in accuracy, documentation, and maintaining strict safety standards.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy hands-on laboratory work
- Are interested in biology, medicine, or biotechnology
- Want a practical, job-focused STEM degree
- Prefer structured procedures over abstract theory
- Are considering a fast entry into science careers
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a biotechnology or biology technician program:
- Take biology, chemistry, and math courses
- Practice lab skills and careful measurement
- Develop strong organization and documentation habits
- Explore career and technical education (CTE) programs
- Participate in science clubs or lab-based activities
Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician (CIP 41.0101) is an excellent degree for students who want to work at the front lines of life science innovation. It offers practical laboratory skills, strong job alignment, and opportunities across healthcare, biotech, and research—making it a smart and efficient pathway into one of today’s most impactful scientific fields.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor