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.

$57,790
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+4% projected 2024โ€“2034
Associate's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Chemical technicians work in laboratories alongside chemists and other scientists, conducting experiments and analyzing materials to support research and product development. They spend their days preparing chemical solutions, setting up and operating sophisticated testing equipment, and carefully documenting their findings. These technicians might test raw materials entering a manufacturing facility, monitor environmental samples for pollutants, or help develop new pharmaceutical formulations. Their work requires precision and attention to detail, as they measure exact quantities of chemicals, maintain sterile conditions when necessary, and follow strict safety protocols.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Chemistry(doctoral)University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI
$110,158
Chemistry(doctoral)University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI
$108,840
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-Berkeley, CA
$108,154
Chemistry(doctoral)North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC
$106,676
Chemistry(doctoral)University of Delaware, DE
$103,167
Chemistry(doctoral)University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL
$101,242
Chemistry(doctoral)The University of Texas at Austin, TX
$100,906
Chemistry(doctoral)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA
$96,201
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Lee College, TX
$94,986
Chemistry(doctoral)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH
$93,474
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-San Diego, CA
$93,148
Chemistry(doctoral)Indiana University-Bloomington, IN
$91,021
Chemistry(doctoral)Northwestern University, IL
$90,302
Chemistry(doctoral)University of South Carolina-Columbia, SC
$86,469
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-Santa Cruz, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-San Francisco, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-Riverside, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-Merced, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-Santa Barbara, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)Stanford University, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)San Diego State University, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)University of California-Los Angeles, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)University of Southern California, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)California Institute of Technology, CA
$85,864
Chemistry(doctoral)Purdue University-Main Campus, IN
$85,580

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