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.

Median Annual Wage: $44,180

Education: Associate's degree (50%); Bachelor's degree (26%); High school diploma or equivalent (22%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Research Technician; Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech); Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst); Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester); Chemical Technician; Formulation Technician; Quality Control Technician (QC Technician); Chemical Analyst; Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst); Water Quality Technician

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemical Technicians.

More Life, Physical, and Social Science Careers

  • Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
  • Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
  • Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
  • 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.
  • Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.
  • Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemical Technicians.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • 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.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemical Technicians.

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