DNA Sequencing Technician

Also called: Genomics Lab Technician

Prepares DNA samples and runs the machines that read genetic code.

A day in the life

Loads trays of samples onto robots, prepares 'libraries' of DNA fragments, and starts sequencing runs that take hours. Checks the output for quality.

Pay over a career

Starting
$38k
Typical
$52k
High
$72k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's or associate in biology or biotechnology.

Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Biology, Biotechnology (associate).

Outlook

Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Estimate.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Newer sequencers and robots prep libraries with little hands-on work; fewer techs run more machines.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology CTE class.

Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4021.

More Genetics & Genomics careers

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.