Also called: Biological Science Technician
Runs experiments, processes samples, and maintains tanks in a marine research lab.
Lab techs sort samples, run DNA extractions, care for experimental animals in seawater tanks, and keep careful data records. It is a common first job after college.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in biology or marine science.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Biology, Biology, Chemistry.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Liquid-handling robots and AI logging take routine steps; animal care and hands-on sample work keep some jobs.
Classes: AP Biology, Chemistry, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4021.
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