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Biological Technicians Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for biological technicians in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al Period: Every two years

Licensing Blueprint for Biological Technicians in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.

  2. 2

    Refer to the LFS General Fee Information Page for a full list of fees associated with licensing.

  3. 3

    Renewal Period: Every two years.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al Period: Every two years

  4. Salary Position

    $64,020 median (23% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Biological Technicians licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Laboratory Field Services~Personnel Licensing Section and monitor board communications.
  5. 5. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: Every two years).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $64,020, Biological Technicianss in California earn 23% above the national median of $52,000. California ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$64,020

Hourly estimate

$30.78
23% above national median

Difference: +$12,020

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,300
  • P2525th percentile$51,440
  • P50Median$64,020
  • P7575th percentile$84,510
  • P9090th percentile$103,750

State vs National Median

State: $64,020
National: $52,000

Total employment: 10,680 | Annual openings: N/A

Biological Technicians Salary Ranking

#3 of 50 statesfor Biological Technicians median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Massachusetts$65,020
#2Connecticut$64,860
#3California$64,020
#4New Jersey$63,430
#5New York$58,750

Nearby States Comparison

Biological Technicians licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$64,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$47,690Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$48,650Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-3 years
Arizona$51,850Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section

850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA, 94804-6403

Phone: 5106203800

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Chemical Technicians$56,620Varies by state board1-17 years
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$38,220Varies by state board1-18 months
Environmental Scientist$97,520Varies by state board2 years
Forester$98,870Varies by state board3 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Biological Technicians in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Biological Technicians salary in California?

The median annual salary for Biological Technicianss in California is $64,020. Salaries range from $44,300 (10th percentile) to $103,750 (90th percentile).

How does the Biological Technicians salary in California compare to the national average?

Biological Technicianss in California earn 23% above the national median of $52,000, with a state median of $64,020.

How many Biological Technicianss work in California?

California employs approximately 10,680 Biological Technicianss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Biological Technicians license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Biological Technicianss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field Services / Personnel Licensing Section. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Biological Technicians license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: Every two years.