Chemical Technicians
Overview
Introduction
Chemical technicians assist chemists and chemical engineers in the research, development, testing, and manufacturing of chemicals and chemical-based products. Their work involves experimental, theoretical, and practical application of chemistry and other connected physical and natural sciences. Chemical technicians conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in producing qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for, among other purposes, research and development of new p...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Earnings for chemical technicians vary based on their education, experience, employer, and location. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the median wage for chemical technicians as $23.15 per hour, or $48,160 annually, in May 2018. The highest paid 10 percent earned $38.03 per hour (or $79,100 annually) or more. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $14.39 per hour ($29,920 annually). Salaries ten...
Work Environment
The chemical industry is one of the safest industries in which to work. Laboratories and plants normally have safety committees and safety engineers who closely monitor equipment and practices to minimize hazards. Chemical technicians usually receive safety training both in school and at work to recognize potential hazards and to take appropriate measures.
Most chemical laboratories are ...
Outlook
Job opportunities for chemical technicians are expected to grow more slowly than the average for all careers through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Declining or slowing employment growth for chemical technicians is anticipated in many chemical manufacturing industries. For example, employment for technicians in pharmaceutical manufacturing is expected to increase by 0.6 percen...
