CFChooseField
Science

Chemical Technicians

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Chemical Technicians
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Median pay

$57,790
Median annual pay for Chemical Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

6,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

57,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Chemical Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Science
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Chemistry
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Production and Processing
  6. 6Administrative

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Written Comprehension
  3. 3Written Expression
  4. 4Inductive Reasoning
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Oral Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Intellectual Curiosity

Work activities

  1. 1Documenting/Recording Information
  2. 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  3. 3Processing Information
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  5. 5Exposed to Contaminants
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandSAP software · hot technologyR · hot technologyPython · hot technologyOracle Java · hot technologyOracle Database · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyC++ · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyLinux · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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