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.
Common Job Titles
- Chemical Technician
- Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst)
- Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
- Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate analytical instrumentation including spectrophotometers, chromatography equipment, and mass spectrometers in laboratory settings to conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemical materials.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze chemical test data and experimental results using mathematical and statistical methods to support research and development initiatives.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate product quality and process compliance with established standards through systematic monitoring and testing protocols in quality control environments.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret technical documentation, procedures, and scientific literature to maintain current knowledge of analytical methods and regulatory requirements.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate laboratory safety practices with environmental standards when conducting experiments involving hazardous materials and waste management.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess experimental design and testing protocols identifying potential problems and recommending procedural modifications under scientist supervision.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute chemical and physical laboratory procedures following safety protocols and standard operating procedures for handling solids, liquids, and gases.Developing
- KnowledgeApply chemistry principles and laboratory techniques to experimental, theoretical, and practical applications in product development and process optimization.Developing
- KnowledgePrepare comprehensive laboratory reports and technical documentation communicating experimental findings, data analysis, and recommendations to scientists and supervisors.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate precision laboratory equipment and analytical instruments performing routine maintenance to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in interdisciplinary laboratory teams coordinating work activities and sharing technical knowledge to support project objectives.Developing
- KnowledgeApply laboratory information management systems and data analysis software documenting experimental procedures, organizing results, and managing sample tracking workflows.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Chemical Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
55,640
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,030. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,680. 50th percentile: U.S. $57,790. 75th percentile: U.S. $72,940. 90th percentile: U.S. $90,990. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $39,030 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $90,990 |
| Workers on average earn | $61,300 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Chemistry3.8/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.1/5
- Production and Processing3.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- C++
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Oracle Java
- Python
- R
- SAP software
- Structured query language SQL
Technology Skills
- Database software
- Email software
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Software development tools
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- Abbe refractometers
- Agitation tanks
- Ammeters
- Aneroid barometers
- Asbestos gloves
- Atomic absorption AA spectroscopes
- Atomic emissions spectroscopes
- Automated microviscometers