Chemical technicians
SOC Code: 19-4031Also known as:
Analysis Tester, Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician), Analytical Technician, Assayer, Bleach Analyst
Median Annual Salary
$57,790
+3.7% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
57K
Current Jobs
What Chemical technicians Do
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
💰 Salary
$57,790
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.7%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
57,000
Projected Employment (2034)
59,000
Related Careers
Chemical engineers
$121,860 •
+2.6% growth
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians
$64,790 •
+1.7% growth
Calibration technologists and technicians
$65,040 •
+4.7% growth
Chemical plant and system operators
$73,540 •
-6.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Science
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
- Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
- Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
- Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
- Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
- Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products.
- Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Chemical technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a chemical technicians:
Chemistry, General
18,323 degrees awarded •
1,175 colleges offer this program
Chemical Technology/Technician
2,843 degrees awarded •
63 colleges offer this program
Chemical Process Technology
74 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Analytical Chemistry
38 degrees awarded •
7 colleges offer this program
Environmental Chemistry
20 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Chemical technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become chemical technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical technicians make?
The median annual salary for chemical technicians is $57,790.
What education do chemical technicians need?
Most chemical technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Chemistry, General, Chemical Technology/Technician, Chemical Process Technology.
Is becoming chemical technicians a good career choice?
Chemical technicians is projected to see +3.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for chemical technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring chemical technicians include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Florida, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Irvine.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to chemical technicians?
Chemical technicians may also be known as: Analysis Tester, Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician), Analytical Technician, Assayer, Bleach Analyst, Chemical Analyst, Chemical Analytical Sampler, Chemical Dependency Technician (Chemical Dependency Tech), Chemical Engineering Technician, Chemical Laboratory Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant), Chemical Laboratory Technician (Chemical Lab Technician), Chemical Laboratory Tester (Chemical Lab Tester), Chemical Process Technician (Chemical Process Tech), Chemical Research Worker, Chemical Technician, Chemical Tester, Chemist Assistant, Chemist Helper, Chemistry Lab Technician (Chemistry Laboratory Technician), Chemistry QC Tech (Chemistry Quality Control Technician).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.