Also called: Tissue Culture Technician
Grows and cares for living cells used in research and medicine-making.
Works in a sterile hood feeding cells, checking under the microscope that they look healthy, and counting them. Freezes batches in liquid nitrogen for later.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in biotechnology or biology; certificate programs exist.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Biotechnology (associate), Biology.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Estimate.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Automated cell-culture systems feed and image cells around the clock; fewer techs needed, mainly to load and troubleshoot.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology CTE class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.