SCIENCE & RESEARCH

A Chemical Technician supports scientists, chemists, and engineers in labs and processing facilities. They can often be found preparing solutions, conducting experiments, analyzing compounds, testing products, and monitoring processes to ensure quality control and enforce product standards. Chemical technicians are essential in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and academia, where they help maintain safety protocols and assist in research and development.

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What Could I Earn?

National median annual pay (2023) for chemical technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows

How Do I Become A Chemical Laboratory Technician?

Becoming a Chemical Laboratory Technician requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and technical skill. These can typically be acquired through a trade school or vocational program, community college, or 4-year university, depending on the breadth of knowledge and experience required. A short curriculum may read as follows:

Mathematics & Quantitative Analysis

Students will develop essential math skills for technical work, including arithmetic, algebra, unit conversions, graphing, and statistics. They will apply these skills in laboratory settings, focusing on titration, volumetric analysis, gravimetric analysis, and data interpretation.

Computer Skills & Technical Communication

Students will become proficient in using cloud computing, Google Docs, and Google Sheets for professional documents, data analysis, and visualization. They will also develop technical communication skills, including public speaking and creating effective presentations.

Chemistry: General, Inorganic, and Organic

Students will gain knowledge in atomic structures, chemical bonding, equilibrium, thermochemistry, and acid-base chemistry. They will also explore industrial organic chemistry, functional groups, and materials science, learning how molecular structures affect material properties and industrial applications.

Laboratory Techniques & Instrumentation

Students will develop lab skills, including chemical safety, accurate measurement, solution preparation, hazard communication, and titration. They will gain hands-on experience with spectroscopy, chromatography, and other lab instrumentation while learning to design and conduct experiments.

Professional & Career Development

Students will prepare for the workforce through career exploration, resume building, and job search strategies. They will refine professional communication skills and may even participate in mock interviews to enhance confidence and job readiness.

Externship, Internship & Early Experience

Students will gain real-world experience by applying their laboratory, analytical, and professional skills in an industry setting. They will work under supervision, practice safe lab procedures, operate scientific instruments, and refine problem-solving abilities while building industry connections and job readiness.

Students develop math skills for technical work, including algebra, unit conversions, and statistics. Training covers lab applications like titration, volumetric analysis, and data interpretation.

Students learn atomic structures, chemical bonding, equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry. Training covers industrial organic chemistry, functional groups, and materials science applications.

Students develop lab skills in safety, measurement, solution prep, and titration. Training includes hands-on experience with spectroscopy, chromatography, and experimental design.

Students gain proficiency in cloud computing, Google Docs, and Sheets for data analysis. Training includes technical communication, public speaking, and creating effective presentations.

Students prepare for careers through resume building, job searches, and professional communication. Training includes career exploration, networking, and mock interviews.

Students gain real-world experience in labs, applying analytical and technical skills. Training includes safe lab procedures, scientific instruments, and industry problem-solving.

What Could I Earn?

National median annual pay (2023) for chemical technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows

$62,900

Physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D

$61,260

Chemical manufacturing

$56,560

Wholesale trade

$55,950

Educational services; state, local, and private

$45,750

Testing laboratories and services