Biological Technicians
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 1 of 17 tasks
Input data into databases.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 8.5% of the role's time · $363M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
physical work, outside the screen · 11.9% of the role's time · $510M
Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 9.9% of the role's time · $425M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
physical work, outside the screen · 8.1% of the role's time · $345M
Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
physical work, outside the screen · 7.8% of the role's time · $332M
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
physical work, outside the screen · 7.6% of the role's time · $325M
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.8% of the role's time · $290M
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
physical work, outside the screen · 6.6% of the role's time · $281M
Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.6% of the role's time · $239M
Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.5% of the role's time · $236M
Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
physical work, outside the screen · 4.3% of the role's time · $185M
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
physical work, outside the screen · 4.2% of the role's time · $179M
Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.
physical work, outside the screen · 3.7% of the role's time · $158M
Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
physical work, outside the screen · 3.4% of the role's time · $146M
Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked · 2.6% of the role's time · $110M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.9% of the role's time · $82.3M
Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.7% of the role's time · $71.8M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 26,940 | $1.7B | $146M | $0 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 14,350 | $789M | $67.0M | $0 |
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | 6260 | $415M | $35.2M | $0 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | 8020 | $412M | $35.0M | $0 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 5180 | $291M | $24.7M | $0 |
| State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 2810 | $135M | $11.5M | $0 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 2770 | $130M | $11.0M | $0 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 1050 | $59.5M | $5.0M | $0 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | 1170 | $57.4M | $4.9M | $0 |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 790 | $43.0M | $3.7M | $0 |