Science
Chemical technician
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.
Median pay
$60,390
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
7,600
Time to qualify*
2.5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Chemical technician
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Chemical technician: 37% usually work over 40 hours a week
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.
Also called: Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician) · Chemical Analyst · Chemical Technician · Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst) · Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech) · Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester) · Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst) · Quality Control Laboratory Technician (QC Lab Tech)
Outlook and AI
Chemical technicians held 60,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 63,000 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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