Life As a Chemical Technician
Job Description: 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.
Life As a Chemical Technician: What Do They Do?
- Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes.
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
- Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
- Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
- Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.
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What a Chemical Technician Should Know
When polled, Chemical Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Cosmetic Chemist
- Polymer Tester
- Chemistry Technician
- Rubber Compounder Formulator
- Formulator Compounder
Is There Going to be Demand for Chemical Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 67,300 jobs in the United States for Chemical Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,700 new jobs for Chemical Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 6,600 positions for Chemical Technician per year.

The states with the most job growth for Chemical Technician are Utah, Colorado, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, North Dakota, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Chemical Technician
Chemical Technicians make between $29,920 and $79,100 a year.

Chemical Technicians who work in Delaware, Louisiana, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemical Technicians make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $50,740 |
Alaska | $55,890 |
Arizona | $47,850 |
Arkansas | $46,180 |
California | $48,280 |
Colorado | $49,730 |
Connecticut | $51,640 |
Delaware | $62,760 |
District of Columbia | $51,060 |
Florida | $47,970 |
Georgia | $45,330 |
Hawaii | $53,970 |
Idaho | $44,150 |
Illinois | $53,000 |
Indiana | $44,200 |
Iowa | $43,880 |
Kansas | $43,760 |
Kentucky | $50,030 |
Louisiana | $65,030 |
Maine | $43,130 |
Maryland | $47,430 |
Massachusetts | $56,160 |
Michigan | $40,270 |
Minnesota | $51,760 |
Mississippi | $52,310 |
Missouri | $51,490 |
Montana | $50,100 |
Nebraska | $55,750 |
Nevada | $52,860 |
New Hampshire | $45,180 |
New Jersey | $60,720 |
New Mexico | $43,420 |
New York | $53,000 |
North Carolina | $49,810 |
North Dakota | $50,370 |
Ohio | $47,060 |
Oklahoma | $55,630 |
Oregon | $47,900 |
Pennsylvania | $50,110 |
Rhode Island | $49,240 |
South Carolina | $45,830 |
South Dakota | $36,420 |
Tennessee | $47,130 |
Texas | $59,660 |
Utah | $46,130 |
Vermont | $53,080 |
Virginia | $48,730 |
Washington | $50,360 |
West Virginia | $52,500 |
Wisconsin | $47,830 |
Wyoming | $49,900 |
What Tools & Technology do Chemical Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chemical Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- Linux
- Oracle software
- Software development tools
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- C++
How to Become a Chemical Technician
Individuals working as a Chemical Technician have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Chemical Technician?

Chemical Technicians Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Chemical Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: NASA via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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