Biological Technicians
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 19-4021.00
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
High· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.060
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.38
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 12 hidden tasks18 rated tasks · 11 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (61.1%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.19-4021.00 | 0.094890.5 | 0.144889.3 |
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.19-4021.00 | 0.00565.3 | 0.00422.6 |
Conduct research or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.19-4021.00 | 0.00444.2 | 0.00855.2 |
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel. | —0 | 0.00462.8 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.O*NET Task ID 3737 | 1.0 |
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.O*NET Task ID 3740 | 1.0 |
Input data into databases.O*NET Task ID 20981 | 1.0 |
Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.O*NET Task ID 3738 | 0.5 |
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.O*NET Task ID 3743 | 0.5 |
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.O*NET Task ID 3745 | 0.5 |
Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.O*NET Task ID 3746 | 0.5 |
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.O*NET Task ID 3747 | 0.5 |
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.O*NET Task ID 3749 | 0.5 |
Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.O*NET Task ID 3750 | 0.5 |
Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.O*NET Task ID 20982 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (18)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities. | Core |
| Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards. | Core |
| Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination. | Core |
| Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties. | Core |
| Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals. | Core |
| Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment. | Core |
| Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas. | Core |
| Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products. | Core |
| Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed. | Core |
| Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel. | Core |
| Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems. | Core |
| Input data into databases. | Core |
| Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies. | Core |
| Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences. | Supplemental |
| Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations. | Supplemental |
| Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings. | Supplemental |
| Conduct or supervise operational programs, such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs. | Supplemental |
| Feed livestock or laboratory animals. | Supplemental |
1.08/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals. | E2 structured facilities |
| Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel. | E2 structured facilities |
| Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed. | E2 structured facilities |
| Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Feed livestock or laboratory animals. | E2 structured facilities |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 74K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 80K
- Change (2025–35)
- +7.4%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $57,510
- Typical education needed for entry
- Bachelor's degree
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21311 | 생물학 시험원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 21312 | 의료과학 시험원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 21323 | 어업 시험원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 3141Life Science Technicians (excluding Medical)
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- biology technicianESCO 3141.2.3Same scope
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.
- scientific laboratory technicianESCO 3141.2This occupation is narrower
Scientific laboratory technicians carry out laboratory-based research, analysis and testing and support life science professionals. They sample, test, measure, research and analyse in areas such as biology, biotechnology, environmental science, forensic science and pharmacology. Scientific laboratory technicians also observe and monitor laboratory activities, record test sequences and analyse the results.
- bacteriology technicianESCO 3141.2.1This occupation is broader
Bacteriology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing bacteria using laboratory equipment. They collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
- biochemistry technicianESCO 3141.2.2This occupation is broader
Biochemistry technicians provide technical assistance in researching, analysing and testing the reactions caused by chemicals in living organisms. They use laboratory equipment to help develop or improve chemical-based products and also collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
- biotechnical technicianESCO 3141.1This occupation is broader
Biotechnical technicians perform technological work in assistance of scientists. They work in laboratory settings where they help scientists to research, develop and test forms of biotechnology. They set up lab equipment, prepare scientific tests and gather scientific data.
- botanical technicianESCO 3141.2.4This occupation is broader
Botanical technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing different plant species to monitor their properties such as growth and structure. They collect and analyse data using laboratory equipment, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock. Botanical technicians also study plants to research their use in areas such as medicine, food and materials.
- zoology technicianESCO 3141.2.5This occupation is broader
Zoology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing animal species using laboratory equipment. They aid in research concerning animals as well as their environments and ecosystems. They collect and analyse data, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| H1210 | Technicien / Technicienne R&D | Overlapping, not the sameprovisional |
| H1224 | Technicien / Technicienne de laboratoire de recherche-développement | Overlapping, not the sameprovisional |
| H1214 | Agent / Agente de laboratoire de recherche industrielle | Related, not a match |
| B1702 | Technicien / Technicienne en ostéologie-moulage | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| H1503 | Technicien / Technicienne de laboratoire d'analyse industrielle | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3141 | Técnicos en ciencias biológicas (excepto en áreas sanitarias) | Same scopeprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 41212 | Berufe im biologisch-technischen Laboratorium - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Same scope |
| 41283 | Berufe in der Biologie (sonstige spezifische Tätigkeitsangabe) - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| 41213 | Berufe im biologisch-technischen Laboratorium - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
| 41203 | Berufe in der Biologie (ohne Spezialisierung) - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 051 | 自然科学系研究者 | Related, not a match |
| 143 | 臨床検査技師 | Related, not a match |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources