Working in Biotech

Why pursue a career in biotech?

  • Fast-growing industry
  • High-paying jobs that don’t require an advanced degree
  • Abundance of training programs

You can contribute to the development and production of life-saving diagnostics, treatments, and breakthrough discoveries while earning a competitive salary in a fast-growing industry. 

  • The Average Biotech Manufacturing Technician makes $22.07-$31.49/hr in Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts ranks 9th for Biotech Manufacturing Technician salaries (top 18%)
  • Nationwide, the average salary for a science and engineering-related job was $69,000
  • Worcester County experienced an 11.8% increase in biomanufacturing job growth in 2023, whereas Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties all had negative growth

Hear from people in the field

Meet Amanda

Meet Amanda, an AbbVie employee who went through a career change to end up where she is today. Listen to what she has to say about career changers and how they can have a meaningful career in the life sciences industry.

Meet JT

Meet JT, an AbbVie employee who came to the United States for opportunities and found it within the life sciences field. In this video, JT shares advice on getting into the industry and what impact you can make.

Meet Shawn

Meet Shawn, a WuXi Biologics employee who didn't think he would work in the sciences until he went through a training program that propelled him to where he is today.

Workforce Training Programs

Join MassBioED for eight weeks of classes and 7 weeks of in-person technical training at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). This is a free Program with monthly stipends while attending class. Employer Partners include Abbvie in Worcester, MA, Rentschler in Milford, MA, and Replimune in Framingham, MA with more partners in the Greater Boston Area.

Learn more and apply at: https://www.massbioed.org/students-career-seekers/apprenticeships/

This eight-week course runs in the evenings, making it convenient for those with a current daytime job. Individuals are given a $1,600 stipend upon course completion. Expected starting salaries can be as high as $52,000/yr with an hourly wage of $25/hour. 

Learn more and apply at: https://wp.wpi.edu/betc/training-and-education/fundamentals-of-biomanufacturing/

This free Pre-Apprentice Program provides 11 weeks of in-person classes at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. The program includes hands-on lab training, access to guest speakers working in the industry, assistance preparing your resume, and practice interviewing. Students gain the skills necessary to get hired and start working in the biomanufacturing industry. 

Students must have a high school or equivalent diploma and have previous work experience (work experience does not have to be in the life sciences). Students also must participate in an interview before being accepted to the program. 

QCC also offers 2-year associate degrees where you can earn an Associate of Science in Biomedical Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering, or Manufacturing Technology – Quality Control, or a Bachelor of Arts in Biotechnology.

Learn more and apply at: https://www.qcc.edu/learn-qcc/advance-your-career

Bioversity’s free eight-week workforce training program prepares local residents for entry-level careers at life sciences companies. The in-person classes are conducted Monday through Thursday and do not require a background in the sciences. Applicants must hold a high school degree or GED and be eligible to work in the United States. The curriculum focuses on developing technical skills and soft skills necessary to succeed and advance in a life sciences career.

Graduates of this course will be ready immediately for employment in areas such as lab operations, facilities management, supply chain, environment, health, and safety (EHS). Graduates will receive coaching and career placemen t assistance throughout the first year after graduation.  

Learn more and apply at: https://bioversityma.org/professional-development-programs/

Located in Upton, MA, Blackstone Valley Technical High School offers courses that prepare students for scientifically diverse careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Programs allow students to begin working as laboratory assistants, laboratory associates, biomanufacturing technicians, and animal care technicians with starting salaries of $40,000 upon graduation from high school.

Learn more: https://www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/biotechnology

This free program equips participants with the critical and operational skills needed to excel in biomanufacturing operations. The 8-session curriculum is delivered through virtual reality headsets, providing participants with an immersive and experiential learning experience. Upon graduation, participants will receive a $1,500 stipend, a graduation certificate, and assistance with career progression. 

Learn more and apply at: https://myraebsystems.com/virtual-reality-enabled-biomanufacturing-professional-training-program-vr-bpt/

Visit the Life Sciences Center Pathmaker Program to learn about training programs outside of Central Massachusetts.

Jobs in the industry

A career in biotech offers a large variety of jobs with opportunities to progress that don’t require advanced degrees. Here is a sampling of the types of roles you can expect to find in a career in the life sciences.
You can visit MassBio’s Career Center to find currently available opportunities.

Production Associate I

Media Prep Lab Support Tech

Laboratory Assistant

Downstream Manufacturing Associate