Also called: Molecular Biology Technician, Cloning Technician
Prepares and checks DNA samples in a synthetic biology or gene synthesis lab.
Runs gels to check DNA sizes, preps plates for robots, and sends samples for sequencing to confirm each construct is correct.
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 biology or biotechnology.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Biotechnology.
Growing faster than average. Growing.
High risk for 10 years. Gene synthesis is being industrialized: robots run gels and plates, and AI checks sequences, so far fewer manual techs are needed.
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.