Chemical Technicians

Also Called: Chemical Analyst, Chemical Technician, Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)

What Chemical Technicians do

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.

  • 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.
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

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Work Context

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Electronic Mail

Tools

  • Laboratory vacuum pumps
  • Laboratory balances
  • Fume hoods or cupboards
  • Laboratory flasks
  • Gas burners

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
Oracle software
Structured query language SQL
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Object or component oriented development software
C++
Oracle Java

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening

Knowledge

Math and Science
chemistry
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 50% Associate's degree
  • 26% Bachelor's degree
  • 22% High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Hand and Finger Use

This is what Chemical Technicians across the country typically make.

$18.39 / hour
$38,240 /year

Entry Level

$27.29 / hour
$56,750 /year

Median Level

$44.88 / hour
$93,340 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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