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Chemical Technician

Overview and Key Facts

chemical technician in a lab
Education
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$57,790
Job Growth
Job Growth
3.70%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
59,000

What Do They Do?

A chemical technician could...

 
cereal bowl
Evaluate a new food additive to find out if it improves the texture of a breakfast cereal.
car oil additives for engine lubrication
Test oil additives to see if they improve engine lubrication.
bubble bath baby
Test ingredients in order to help develop a new tear-less baby shampoo.
water samples
Analyze water samples for pollution to ensure the public's health.
 
cereal bowl car oil additives for engine lubrication bubble bath baby water samples

Overview Listen to this section

The role that the chemical technician plays is the backbone of every chemical, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical manufacturing operation. Chemical technicians conduct experiments, record data, and help to implement new processes and procedures in the laboratory. If you enjoy hands-on work, then you might be interested in the career of a chemical technician.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLwKn5W7Bjo

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Chemical Technician?


  1. Science: ?
  2. Reading Comprehension: ?
  3. Critical Thinking: ?
  4. Writing: ?
  5. Active Listening: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Chemical Technician might do:
  • 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.
  • Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
  • 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.
  • Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
  • Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Chemical Technician Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Chemical Technician jobs (3.70%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Chemical Technician

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Most chemical technicians need an associate's degree or a certificate in chemistry or chemistry-related technology. Chemical technicians with a high school diploma and no college degree typically begin work as trainees under the direct supervision of a more-experienced technician, and eventually earn a 2-year degree in science technology.

Chemical technician positions in research and development also often have a bachelor's degree, but most chemical process technicians have a 2-year degree instead, usually an associate's degree in process technology. In some cases, a high school diploma is sufficient. These workers usually receive additional on-the-job training. Many with a high school diploma eventually earn a 2-year degree in science technology, often paid for by their employer. Entry-level workers whose college training encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of diagnostic laboratory equipment generally require less on-the-job training.

Whatever their degree, chemical technicians usually need hands-on training, either in school or on the job. Most can get good career preparation through 2-year formal training programs that combine the teaching of scientific principles and theory with practical hands-on application in a laboratory setting, with up-to-date equipment. Graduates of bachelor's degree programs in chemistry who have considerable experience in laboratory-based courses, have completed internships, or have held summer jobs in laboratories are also well-qualified for chemical technician positions and are preferred by some employers.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Associate's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

There are several ways to qualify for a job as a chemical technician. Many employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or an associate's degree in chemistry or chemistry-related technology. Because employers' preferences vary, however, some chemical technicians have a bachelor's degree in chemistry or have completed several science and math courses at a 4-year college.

People interested in careers as chemical technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible. Chemistry courses taken beyond high school, in an associate's or bachelor's degree program, should be laboratory-oriented, with an emphasis on bench skills. A solid background in chemistry, physics, and math is vital.

Companies That Hire Chemical Technicians

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Read this interview with Cliff Bridges, chemical technician with Bayer Corporation.
I'm with the automotive business unit. I'm an associate technician. I run a variety of tests and I also do a lot of formulation. 
Cliff Bridges

Nature of the Work

Chemical technicians use the principles and theories of chemistry and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, and to help invent and improve products and processes. Chemical technicians work with chemists and chemical engineers, developing and using chemicals and related products and equipment. However, their jobs are more practical than those of chemists and chemical engineers.

Generally, there are two types of chemical technicians: research technicians who work in experimental laboratories and process control technicians who work in manufacturing or other industrial plants. Many chemical technicians working in research and development conduct a variety of laboratory procedures, from routine process control to complex research projects. For example, they might collect and analyze samples of air and water to monitor pollution levels, or they might produce compounds through complex organic synthesis. Often, chemical technicians who work in plants focus on quality assurance, monitoring product quality or production processes, and developing new production techniques. A few work in shipping to provide technical support and expertise.

As laboratory instrumentation and procedures have become more complex, the role of chemical technicians in research and development has expanded. In addition to performing routine tasks, many technicians, under the direction of scientists, now develop and adapt laboratory procedures to achieve the best results, interpret data, and devise solutions to problems. Chemical technicians must develop expert knowledge of laboratory equipment so that they can adjust settings when necessary and recognize when equipment is malfunctioning.

Work Environment

Chemical technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Most work indoors, usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours. Chemical technicians who work in manufacturing facilities often work in 8-hour shifts, around the clock.

Advances in automation and information technology require chemical technicians to operate more-sophisticated laboratory equipment. Chemical technicians make extensive use of computers, electronic measuring equipment, and traditional experimental apparatus.

Some chemical technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. Chemical technicians sometimes work with toxic chemicals or radioactive isotopes.

More Information

Ask Questions

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