A bioinformatics technician uses computers and data analysis to solve problems in biological research and development. The work is technical, growing in demand, and requires a bachelor's degree. Here is what the work involves, what skills matter most, and how to get in.
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Bioinformatics technicians work at the intersection of biology and computing. You analyze biological data, process information from research, and use computers to support ecological and genetic studies. Your day involves reading scientific literature, staying current with new tools and methods, and making decisions about how to organize and interpret complex datasets. You write reports and communicate findings to researchers and teams. The work requires strong critical thinking and the ability to solve problems as they arise in the lab or research setting.
Core work activities
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Bioinformatics Technicians earn a median of $81,490 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You will need a bachelor's degree to enter this field. Your coursework should cover computers and electronics, mathematics, biology, and engineering principles. During your studies, focus on building skills in reading comprehension, active learning, and writing. Many programs include hands-on lab work and data analysis projects that mirror real workplace tasks. Consider internships in research settings or biotech companies to gain practical experience. This considerable preparation takes time, but it opens doors to a specialized and growing field.
Most paths to this career start with a bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, biology, or a related field. If you are deciding how to structure your education and timeline, Pathly can map the bioinformatic technician path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a plan that fits your goals.
You do not need a license to work as a bioinformatic technician, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to investigative work that involves solving puzzles through data and analysis. You enjoy learning new tools, thinking critically about complex problems, and communicating what you find.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).