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Biological Technicians

The short answer

Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 636 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.

How much AI could touch this job

Middleband 3 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 65% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Feed livestock or laboratory animals.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Chemical Technicians

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay355 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$62,603 vs your $62,920 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Reading Comprehension
    • Near Vision
    • Critical Thinking
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Production and Processing
    • Repairing
    • Chemistry
  • Microbiologists

    Very similar work
    +32% pay100 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 32% more—$83,363 vs your $62,920 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Biology
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Near Vision
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Education and Training
    • Science
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Administration and Management
  • Chemists

    Very similar work
    +48% pay355 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 48% more—$93,136 vs your $62,920 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Reading Comprehension
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Inductive Reasoning
    • Near Vision
    • Critical Thinking

    New skills to build

    • Chemistry
    • Production and Processing
    • Administrative
    • Administration and Management
    • Physics
  • Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Somewhat similar work
    +15% pay264 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 15% more—$72,261 vs your $62,920 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Oral Comprehension
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Near Vision
    • Inductive Reasoning
    • Critical Thinking

    New skills to build

    • Engineering and Technology
    • Mechanical
    • Design
    • Physics
    • Production and Processing