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
6,174
2020 Jobs
+7%
2020–2025 Projected Change
34.71/hr.
2020 Avg. Median 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 167 $23.81 $35.32 $38.32 View programs
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other 100 $18.59 $22.04 $29.82 View programs
Medical Equipment Preparers 84 $28.24 $30.08 $36.81
Biological Technicians 83 $18.50 $22.69 $27.88 View programs
Medical Equipment Repairers 68 $22.40 $28.38 $37.16 View programs
Forensic Science Technicians 35 $29.62 $37.75 $48.30 View programs
Chemical Technicians 32 $18.99 $23.32 $29.44 View programs

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Job openings per year:

167

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $23.81/hr.
  • Median: $35.32/hr.
  • Experienced: $38.32/hr.

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Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

Job openings per year:

100

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $18.59/hr.
  • Median: $22.04/hr.
  • Experienced: $29.82/hr.

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Medical Equipment Preparers

Job openings per year:

84

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $28.24/hr.
  • Median: $30.08/hr.
  • Experienced: $36.81/hr.

Biological Technicians

Job openings per year:

83

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $18.50/hr.
  • Median: $22.69/hr.
  • Experienced: $27.88/hr.

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Medical Equipment Repairers

Job openings per year:

68

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $22.40/hr.
  • Median: $28.38/hr.
  • Experienced: $37.16/hr.

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Forensic Science Technicians

Job openings per year:

35

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $29.62/hr.
  • Median: $37.75/hr.
  • Experienced: $48.30/hr.

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Chemical Technicians

Job openings per year:

32

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $18.99/hr.
  • Median: $23.32/hr.
  • Experienced: $29.44/hr.

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Top Employers & Skills

Employers

  • University of California, Davis
  • Sutter Health
  • UC Davis Health
  • Dignity Health
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Sutter Medical Center
  • Aya Healthcare
  • Quest Diagnostics
  • Danaher
  • Interpath Laboratory
  • Cepheid
  • Eurofins Scientific
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • National Vision
  • Marshall Medical Center
  • Akua Behavioral Health
  • The Mentor Network
  • Inharvest
  • Asante Health
  • Essilor Of America

Specialized skills

  • Biology
  • Medical Laboratory
  • Chemistry
  • Laboratory Equipment
  • Laboratory Testing
  • Laboratory Experience
  • Auditing
  • Microbiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Phlebotomy

Technology & software skills

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Linux
  • Operating Systems
  • Firmware
  • Microsoft Access

Employability skills

  • Communications
  • Detail Oriented
  • Management
  • Quality Control
  • Research
  • Operations
  • Customer Service
  • Computer Literacy
  • Quality Assurance
  • Valid Driver's License

Source: Lightcast 2022.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.

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.