Chemical Technicians
Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.
Is chemical technicians a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #440 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Tracked in official BLS wage and projection data, so the numbers here are verifiable
Possible tradeoffs
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What chemical technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. chemical technicians earn between $48,530 and $75,900 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live chemical technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Chemical technicians typically need an associate's degree or 2 years of postsecondary education in applied science or chemical technology. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor's degree in those or related fields, such as biology or physical science. Other employers may consider candidates who have a high school diploma.
Technical and community college programs in applied sciences or chemical technology typically include courses in math, physics, and biology in addition to chemistry. Coursework in statistics and computer science is also useful for learning data analysis and modeling.
Courses that include a laboratory component provide students with hands-on practice in conducting experiments and proper use of instruments and techniques. Participating in internships and cooperative-education programs while attending school helps students gain experience.
Training
Chemical technicians typically receive on-the-job training from experienced technicians, who explain proper methods and procedures for conducting experiments and operating equipment. The length of training varies with the new employee’s level of experience and education and by industry.
Advancement
Technicians who have a bachelor’s degree may advance to become chemical engineers or chemists.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Chemical technicians must be methodical in conducting scientific experiments and interpreting data.
Communication skills. Chemical technicians must explain their work to scientists and engineers or to workers who may not have a technical background. They often write reports to summarize their results.
Detail oriented. Chemical technicians need to set up, operate, and maintain precision laboratory equipment and instruments. They also must keep meticulous records of their experiments, observations, and results.
Interpersonal skills. Chemical technicians must work well as part of a team that often includes scientists, engineers, and other technicians.
Related occupations
How much do chemical technicians make?
The national median wage is $60,390 a year, with the middle half earning between $48,530 and $75,900 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is chemical technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #440 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a chemical technician?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do chemical technicians earn the most?
Among states, Louisiana pays the highest median ($85,850). Local pay for every state and metro is below.