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.
Chemical Technicians
SOC: 19-4031 O*NET: 19-4031.00
Median Salary
$57,790
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
6.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Chemical Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,030
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,680
25th percentile
Median
$57,790
50th percentile
Experienced
$72,940
75th percentile
Top Earners
$90,990
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,030
25th
$46,680
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$57,790
Mean: $61,300
75th
$72,940
90th
$90,990
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $51,960 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,680 and $72,940
- •Salary spread is 45.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 55,640 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:57,000
Top Industries
Manufacturing43.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services32.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services32.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.7%
Annual Openings:6,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)57,000
Current
2034 (Projected)59,000
+3.7%
+2,100
Employment Change
+3.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Chemical Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
6,510 jobs$64,5201.30x
California
6,480 jobs$56,6200.99x
New Jersey
3,210 jobs$57,6402.09x
Pennsylvania
3,050 jobs$59,1301.40x
Ohio
2,500 jobs$54,7101.26x
New York
2,350 jobs$57,7200.68x
Michigan
2,300 jobs$57,6801.45x
Massachusetts
2,200 jobs$64,9201.67x
Florida
1,960 jobs$46,8700.55x
Tennessee
1,740 jobs$51,0301.47x
Illinois
1,410 jobs$61,8300.64x
Indiana
1,410 jobs$51,9801.22x
North Carolina
1,360 jobs$48,8700.77x
South Carolina
1,300 jobs$59,5301.59x
Alabama
1,180 jobs$52,6801.56x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Science
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Monitoring
66%
#7
Active Learning
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Operations Monitoring
46%
#10
Learning Strategies
40%
Skills Overview
Science
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Learning
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Science
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Learning Strategies
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Validation Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Microbiologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Speaking
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Science
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Science
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Chemical Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechOracle Java
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechR
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
C++
Oracle Java
Python
R
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft PowerPoint
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (5)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Planning & Development (5)Management & Supervision (1)Training & Development (1)
1
Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Chemical Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Chemical Technicians professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value support
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Chemical Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.51
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.27
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.15
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.08
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.91
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.76
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.5
Integrity
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Initiative
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Independence
3.7
Cooperation
3.6
Persistence
3.6
Stress Tolerance
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Chemical Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →