North Far North Careers

Life Sciences – Biotechnology

Life sciences and biotechnology involves the study of living organisms and organic processes, often to find solutions to global problems. For example, this industry is integral to finding science-based solutions for growing healthier, more resilient crops; finding ways to generate greener, more ecologically sustainable energy sources; and developing new medications and other pharmaceuticals. Primary subsectors are research and development, biopharmaceuticals, biorenewables, medical devices, and wholesale trade.

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View data from the:

Region
6,266
2022 Jobs
+11%
2022–2027 Projected Change
26.79/hr.
2022 Avg. Entry Level Wage

Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials

How much will I make per hour?

What can I train for? Job openings per year Entry-level Median Experienced
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians 202 $23.73 $33.96 $40.19 View programs
Medical Equipment Preparers 107 $23.54 $32.08 $39.27
Biological Technicians 73 $19.60 $22.88 $29.70 View programs
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other 60 $19.26 $25.03 $32.43 View programs
Medical Equipment Repairers 56 $24.24 $28.86 $33.78 View programs
Chemical Technicians 42 $20.93 $23.70 $29.86 View programs
Forensic Science Technicians 30 $32.53 $39.60 $48.42 View programs

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Job openings per year:

202

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $23.73/hr.
  • Median: $33.96/hr.
  • Experienced: $40.19/hr.

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Medical Equipment Preparers

Job openings per year:

107

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $23.54/hr.
  • Median: $32.08/hr.
  • Experienced: $39.27/hr.

Biological Technicians

Job openings per year:

73

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.60/hr.
  • Median: $22.88/hr.
  • Experienced: $29.70/hr.

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Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

Job openings per year:

60

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.26/hr.
  • Median: $25.03/hr.
  • Experienced: $32.43/hr.

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Medical Equipment Repairers

Job openings per year:

56

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $24.24/hr.
  • Median: $28.86/hr.
  • Experienced: $33.78/hr.

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Chemical Technicians

Job openings per year:

42

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $20.93/hr.
  • Median: $23.70/hr.
  • Experienced: $29.86/hr.

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Forensic Science Technicians

Job openings per year:

30

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $32.53/hr.
  • Median: $39.60/hr.
  • Experienced: $48.42/hr.

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Top Employers & Skills

Employers

  • University of California
  • Sutter Health
  • UC Davis Health
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • UC Davis Health System
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • CommonSpirit Health
  • Evergreen Technologies
  • State of California
  • Akua Behavioral Health
  • IDEXX Reference Laboratory
  • Marshall Medical Center
  • Tahoe Forest Hospital
  • Siemens Healthineers
  • MilliporeSigma
  • Los Rios Community College District
  • Quest Diagnostics
  • Eurofins Environment Testing
  • PG&E

Specialized skills

  • Biology
  • Medical Laboratory
  • Laboratory Equipment
  • Chemistry
  • Medical Terminology
  • Workflow Management
  • Sterile Processing
  • Laboratory Testing
  • Laboratory Experience
  • Data Entry

Technology & software skills

  • Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Spreadsheets
  • Laboratory Information Management Systems
  • SAP Applications
  • Epic EMR
  • R (Programming Language)
  • Database Application
  • Disassembler
  • Medical Software
  • Python (Programming Language)

Employability skills

  • Communications
  • Research
  • Management
  • Quality Control
  • Detail Oriented
  • Customer Service
  • Operations
  • Problem Solving
  • Quality Assurance
  • Troubleshooting

Source: Lightcast 2023.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Histologist Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech), Medical Technologist (MT), Microbiology Technologist

Sample of reported job titles:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Histologist Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech), Medical Technologist (MT), Microbiology Technologist

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Work Context:

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 98% responded “Extremely important.”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded “Every day.”
  • Telephone — 99% responded “Every day.”
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections — 87% responded “Every day.”
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 87% responded “Every day.”
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Medical Equipment Preparers

Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

Sample of reported job titles:

Central Processing Technician (CPT), Central Service Technician (CST), Central Sterile Supply Technician (CSS Technician), Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Instrument Technician, Sterile Preparation Technician, Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (SPD Tech), Sterile Processing Technician (Sterile Processing Tech), Sterile Technician, Sterilization Technician

Tasks:

  • Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
  • Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
  • Record sterilizer test results.
  • Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
  • Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Clean medical equipment.
  • Operate medical equipment.
  • Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
  • Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
  • Record vital statistics or other health information.

Work Context:

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 98% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Contaminants – 79% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections – 88% responded “Every day”
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Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Sample of reported job titles:

Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Biological Science Lab Tech), Biological Science Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Marine Fisheries Technician, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist, Research Technician, Wildlife Biology Technician

Tasks:

  • Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
  • Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
  • Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
  • Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
  • Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Collect biological specimens.
  • Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
  • Interpret research or operational data.
  • Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
  • Record research or operational data.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 85% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 84% responded “Every day”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 36% responded “Very important”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 83% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 54% responded “Every day”
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Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

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Medical Equipment Repairers

Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.

Sample of reported job titles:

Biomed Tech (Biomedical Technician), Biomedical Electronics Technician, Biomedical Engineering Technician (BMET), Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Dental Equipment Technician, Electronic Technician, Repair Technician, Service Technician, X-ray Service Engineer

Tasks:

  • Inspect and test malfunctioning medical or related equipment, following manufacturers’ specifications and using test and analysis instruments.
  • Test or calibrate components or equipment, following manufacturers’ manuals and troubleshooting techniques, using hand tools, power tools, or measuring devices.
  • Keep records of maintenance, repair, and required updates of equipment.
  • Perform preventive maintenance or service, such as cleaning, lubricating, or adjusting equipment.
  • Test, evaluate, and classify excess or in-use medical equipment and determine serviceability, condition, and disposition, in accordance with regulations.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Calibrate equipment to specifications.
  • Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
  • Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.

Work Context:

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 73% responded “Extremely important”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 88% responded “Every day”
  • Electronic Mail – 86% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 81% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 71% responded “Every day”
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Chemical Technicians

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

Sample of reported job titles:

Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician), Chemical Analyst, Chemical Technician, Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester), Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst), Quality Control Laboratory Technician (QC Lab Tech), Quality Control Technician (QC Tech), Research Technician

Tasks:

  • Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
  • Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
  • Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
  • Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
  • Clean objects.
  • Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
  • Evaluate quality of materials or products.
  • Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 99% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 98% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Contaminants – 95% responded “Every day”
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Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Sample of reported job titles:

Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Analyst, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Evidence Technician, Forensic Science Examiner, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Specialist, Latent Fingerprint Examiner, Latent Print Examiner

Tasks:

  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
  • Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
  • Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 82% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 86% responded “Every day”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 67% responded “Extremely important”
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results – 73% responded “Very important results”
  • Contact With Others – 14% responded “Occasional contact with others”
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The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).

The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).

Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.

Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.

Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.