Mid-Level

Research Technician

Keeping the lab running — performing tests, maintaining equipment, preparing samples, and executing the technical procedures that research depends on.

Career Level

Junior

Mid

Senior

Director

Executive

Work Personality

Investigativeanalytical, curious

Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented

Based on Holland Code framework

Industries that often hire Research Technicians

Financial Services Construction Technology & Information Retail Agriculture & Forestry Manufacturing · 53%

Job markets for Research Technicians

Employment concentration · ~400 areas

Based on employment in related occupations

Mapped SOC categories:

Science Engineering

BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

Jump to:What it's like Career paths By the numbers

What it's like

What it's like to be a Research Technician

As a Research Technician, you're doing the hands-on technical work that keeps a research lab or R&D operation functioning. You prepare samples, run tests, operate equipment, maintain lab supplies, calibrate instruments, and record data. You follow established procedures and protocols, and your reliable execution is what makes research reproducible.

A typical day involves preparing materials for experiments, running standard tests or assays, maintaining and cleaning equipment, recording data in lab notebooks or databases, and assisting researchers with technical procedures. You're the backbone of the lab — the person who keeps things organized, operational, and running smoothly.

The challenge is maintaining consistency and attention to detail across repetitive tasks. Research depends on reliable, reproducible results, and that requires following procedures precisely every time. The people who do well here take pride in doing things right, enjoy hands-on laboratory work, and find satisfaction in being essential to the research operation.

What people in this role value

AchievementModerate

IndependenceModerate

Working ConditionsModerate

SupportModerate

RecognitionLower

RelationshipsLower

O*NET Work Values survey

Role Profile

StrategyExecution

StructuredAdaptable

ManagingContributing

CollaborativeIndependent

Things that vary from job to job as a Research Technician

Research domainAcademic vs industryLab typeEquipment complexityAdvancement path

Research technician roles vary based on **lab type and domain**. Biology and chemistry labs involve wet lab procedures, sample preparation, and analytical instruments. Engineering labs might involve building and testing prototypes. Computer science research labs need technicians who can manage computing infrastructure. The **advancement path** differs significantly — some organizations have clear technician career ladders, while others treat the role as a stepping stone to other positions.

Is Research Technician right for you?

An honest look at who tends to thrive in this role — and who might find it challenging.

This role tends to work well for...

Hands-on people who enjoy practical laboratory work

If you find the physical work of the lab — pipetting, operating equipment, preparing samples — genuinely satisfying, the role fits naturally.

Detail-oriented people who follow procedures reliably

Consistency and accuracy in executing protocols are the most valued traits — people who take pride in precision do well.

Those who prefer clear tasks and structured work

Technician work is largely defined by procedures and schedules — if you prefer knowing what's expected, the structure is comfortable.

People interested in science who enjoy supporting research

If contributing to research outcomes motivates you even when you're not leading the intellectual direction, the work is meaningful.

This role tends to create friction for...

People who want to design and lead research

Technicians execute procedures designed by others — if you want to define what's studied, you'll need to advance into scientist roles.

Those who find repetitive tasks demotivating

Many technician procedures are repeated regularly — the routine is the job, and novelty comes in small doses.

People seeking high compensation

Research technician roles are typically among the lower-compensated positions in research organizations.

Those who dislike strict protocols and procedures

Labs operate under SOPs and safety requirements — deviation from procedure isn't acceptable.

✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns

Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

Earning potential across this track

All experience levels¹

This level's estimated range

¹ BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Research Technicians (SOC 17-3027.01, 19-1029.02, 19-4021.00, 19-4031.00, 19-4061.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023

* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.

Career Growth OptionsScience track →

Research TechnicianAnatomist Safety Inspector Behavior Therapist Behavioral Therapist Commercial Drone Operator Drone Pilot Drone Operator Behavior Analyst Systems Analyst Quality Analyst Test Technician+38 more

Also appears in: Engineering

Exploring the Research Technician career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.

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What it takes to advance

Advanced lab techniques

Building proficiency with more complex equipment and procedures makes you more valuable and opens doors to specialist roles.

Data recording and analysis

Moving beyond simple data entry to understanding and analyzing results positions you for advancement.

Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

Being able to maintain and fix lab equipment makes you indispensable to the research operation.

Lateral Moves

Research Associate →

If you want more intellectual involvement in research while still doing hands-on work

Quality Control Technician →

If you enjoy the testing and procedure aspects and want to apply them in manufacturing

Lab Manager →

If you enjoy the operational side of running a lab and want to manage the facility

Questions you might ask when interviewing

What type of research will I be supporting?

What equipment and techniques will I be working with?

What does training look like for new technicians?

Is there a career ladder for technicians in this organization?

What is the work schedule — standard hours or shift work?

What safety training and certifications are required?

✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns

The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$36K–$160K

Salary Range

10th – 90th percentile

262K

U.S. Employment

+2.56%

10yr Growth

29K

Annual Openings

How this category is changing

BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

ScienceReading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingScienceReading ComprehensionReading ComprehensionReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCritical Thinking

O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics

Mapped SOC Codes

17-3027.0119-1029.0219-4021.0019-4031.0019-4061.00

Explore related roles

Other roles in the Science career track

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.