Also called: Lab Prep Technician
Makes the nutrient 'food' (media) and solutions that cells and microbes grow in.
Weighs powders, mixes liquids in big batches, sterilizes them in an autoclave, and labels everything precisely. A small mistake can ruin weeks of experiments, so carefulness is the whole job.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus on-the-job training; biotech certificates help.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, 2-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Biotechnology (certificate).
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). Estimate.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Automated media makers weigh, mix and fill; careful hands still sterilize, label and check batches, but fewer are needed.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to biotech companies, university core labs or temp agencies for media or lab prep tech roles
Classes: Chemistry, Biology, Algebra.
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.