Chemical Technician
Science & Laboratory Technology
Apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of chemical and biochemical research and industrial operations.
What Chemical Technicians Do
Apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of chemical and biochemical research and industrial operations.
Common Tasks
Chemical Technicians
- 1Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- 2Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
- 3Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- 4Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
- 5Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
What You'll Learn
Types of Chemical Technicians
Work Environment
Locations
- • Quality control laboratories
- • Chemical manufacturing plants
- • Pharmaceutical and biotech facilities
- • Environmental testing labs
- • Research and development laboratories
Schedule
Most roles follow an established routine with set hours, though production and process jobs may use rotating shifts and can involve high time pressure.
Physical Demands
Work often involves long periods standing and frequent handling of samples, glassware, and instruments, with moderate walking and repetitive motions. Some roles require PPE use and occasional climbing or work around industrial equipment.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 204,000 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand can rise as manufacturers and labs expand quality control, product development, and environmental testing. Growth in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and materials science also increases the need for skilled lab and process support staff.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Work is hands-on and science-based
- • Strong demand in manufacturing and quality control
- • Clear pathways into specialized lab or process roles
- • Opportunities across many industries (chemicals, pharma, environmental)
- • Skills are transferable between lab and production settings
Cons
- • High attention to safety; exposure risks require strict procedures
- • Time pressure to meet production or testing deadlines
- • Shift work may be required in plant operations
- • Repetitive testing and documentation can be routine
- • Some roles involve noisy industrial environments
Common Questions About the Chemical Technician Trade
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