Best colleges for Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of biologists and biotechnologists in research, industrial, and government settings.
74 U.S. institutions graduated 1,215 Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 41.0101, a specialization of Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians (CIP 41.01), and leads most directly to the Biological Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 19-4021).
About Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of biologists and biotechnologists in research, industrial, and government settings. Includes instruction in fermentation technology, cell culturing, protein purification, biologic synthesis, assaying and testing, quality control, industrial microbiology, bioprocessing, chromatography and bioseparation, genetic technology, laboratory and hazardous materials safety, and computer applications.
See also: 51.1004 - Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support biologists and biotechnologists in various research and industrial settings. This program is ideal for those interested in applying scientific principles and technical skills to real-world challenges in biology and biotechnology.
Learn more about Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician →
Students will gain knowledge in fermentation technology, cell culturing, protein purification, and quality control, among other areas. Core skills include reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active learning, alongside hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and computer applications.
Credentials awarded
What Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year641 graduates / yr · 39 institutions53%
- Associate's degree282 graduates / yr · 46 institutions23%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years162 graduates / yr · 21 institutions13%
- Bachelor's degree60 graduates / yr · 5 institutions4.9%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate52 graduates / yr · 1 institution4.3%
- Award of less than 12 weeks18 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.5%
Graduates over time
Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 771 |
| 2013 | 859 |
| 2014 | 736 |
| 2015 | 765 |
| 2016 | 776 |
| 2017 | 737 |
| 2018 | 786 |
| 2019 | 737 |
| 2020 | 705 |
| 2021 | 731 |
| 2022 | 1,307 |
| 2023 | 1,239 |
| 2024 | 1,212 |
| 2025 | 1,215 |
Top 50 institutions for Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 154 | 41% | — | — |
| 2 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 102 | 20% | — | — |
| 3 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 97 | 38% | — | — |
| 4 | Middlesex Community College Bedford, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 78 | 23% | — | — |
| 5 | Montgomery College Rockville, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 68 | 32% | — | — |
| 6 | Weber State University Ogden, UTPublicPost-degree cert. | 52 | 46% | — | — |
| 7 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 51 | 80% | $24,886 | — |
| 8 | Quincy College Quincy, MAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 43 | 15% | — | — |
| 9 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 42 | 86% | — | — |
| 10 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 40 | 48% | — | — |
| 11 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 28 | 29% | — | — |
| 12 | Harford Community College Bel Air, MDPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 26 | 39% | — | — |
| 13 | Shoreline College Shoreline, WAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 25 | 29% | — | — |
| 14 | Blinn College District Brenham, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 24 | 11% | — | — |
| 15 | Alamance Community College Graham, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 39% | — | — |
| 16 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 16 | 32% | — | — |
| 17 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 16 | 21% | — | — |
| 18 | Beal University Bangor, MEPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 15 | 36% | $34,052 | — |
| 19 | Central Carolina Community College Sanford, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 43% | — | — |
| 20 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 29% | — | — |
| 21 | Collin County Community College District McKinney, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 20% | — | — |
| 22 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 14 | 37% | — | — |
| 23 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 14 | 34% | — | — |
| 24 | Bucks County Community College Newtown, PAPublicAssociate's | 14 | 32% | — | — |
| 25 | Frederick Community College Frederick, MDPublicAssociate's | 13 | 37% | — | — |
| 26 | Fortis Institute - Wayne Wayne, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 72% | $23,607 | $38,858 |
| 27 | Athens Technical College Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 12 | 51% | — | — |
| 28 | Pitt Community College Winterville, NCPublicAssociate's | 11 | 35% | — | — |
| 29 | Triton College River Grove, ILPublicAssociate's | 10 | 29% | — | — |
| 30 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 10 | 43% | — | — |
| 31 | Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 9 | 41% | — | — |
| 32 | Davenport University Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 57% | $22,126 | — |
| 33 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 41% | — | — |
| 34 | Del Mar College Corpus Christi, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 11% | — | — |
| 35 | Forsyth Technical Community College Winston-Salem, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 34% | — | — |
| 36 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 7 | 49% | — | — |
| 37 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 7 | 39% | — | — |
| 38 | Saint Louis Community College Bridgeton, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 21% | — | — |
| 39 | Southern Oklahoma Technology Center Ardmore, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 83% | — | — |
| 40 | Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DEPublicAssociate's | 5 | 22% | — | — |
| 41 | North Shore Community College Danvers, MAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 18% | — | — |
| 42 | Dixie Technical College Saint George, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 77% | — | — |
| 43 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 47% | — | — |
| 44 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 39% | — | — |
| 45 | Santa Fe College Gainesville, FLPublicAssociate's | 4 | 53% | — | — |
| 46 | Massachusetts Bay Community College Wellesley Hills, MAPublicAssociate's | 4 | 17% | — | — |
| 47 | Great Bay Community College Portsmouth, NHPublicAssociate's | 4 | 34% | — | — |
| 48 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 17% | — | — |
| 49 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicBachelor's | 4 | 59% | — | — |
| 50 | Virginia Western Community College Roanoke, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 40% | — | — |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 41.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 26 states
Where Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4021, Biological Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Biological Technicians, with an annual job growth rate of 3.5% and approximately 9,100 openings each year. The median wage for this occupation is $52,000, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree for advancement.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 41.0101
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Biological Techniciansprimary SOC 19-4021 | $57,510 | +3.5% About as fast as average | ~9,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- 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.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Award of at least 12 weeks, an Associate's degree, or a Bachelor's degree.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in science, critical thinking, active listening, and writing.
What are common careers for graduates?+
Graduates commonly work as Biological Technicians or in related support roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about average, with a growth rate of 3.5% and 9,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician?+
Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician is CIP 41.0101 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians (CIP 41.01). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of biologists and biotechnologists in research, industrial, and government settings. Includes instruction in fermentation technology, cell culturing, protein purification, biologic synthesis, assaying and testing, quality control, industrial microbiology, bioprocessing, chromatography and bioseparation, genetic technology, laboratory and hazardous materials safety, and computer applications.
How many institutions offer Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician programs?+
74 U.S. institutions reported Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 26 states, awarding 1,215 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Biological Technicians occupation, which Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $57,510 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,858, College Scorecard.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians graduates, so its figures match the Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians program page.
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