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Chemical Technicians

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

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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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $60,390/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$41,740$92,040

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 6,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
ScienceCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionWritingActive ListeningMonitoringActive LearningSpeakingOperations MonitoringLearning Strategies
Top knowledge areas
ChemistryEnglish LanguageMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingAdministrativeEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal Service
Core tasks

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Chemical Technicians?

The median pay for Chemical Technicians is $60,390 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Chemical Technicians?

Employment for Chemical Technicians is projected to change +3.7% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Chemical Technicians?

Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Chemical Technicians?

About 6,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.