Chemist
Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.
- $91,240
- 4+ years
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Chemical Technician
Also called: Lab Technician · Quality Control Chemist Technician · Analytical Technician · Process Lab Technician
What chemical technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a chemical technician do?
Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers research, develop, produce and test chemical products and processes. The median pay is $60,390 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +4.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$60,390$29.03/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.9%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year7,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs60,000Employment, 2025
What chemical technicians do
Chemical technicians keep labs and plants running. They prepare solutions, run tests on raw materials and products, operate instruments like chromatographs and spectrometers, monitor production processes, record data and help chemists with experiments. They work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, environmental labs and research.
Most chemical technicians have an associate degree in chemistry or applied science, then learn specific methods on the job. It’s a solid two-year path into the chemical industry.
Typical duties
- Prepare samples and solutions
- Run chemical tests
- Operate lab instruments
- Monitor production quality
- Record and analyze data
- Maintain lab equipment
- Follow safety and quality procedures
Work environment and schedule
Chemical technicians work in labs and production plants, wearing protective equipment around chemicals.
Schedule: Most work full-time; plant labs may run shifts.
A day in the life
- Calibrate the pH meter and balances.
- Test raw material samples from a delivery.
- Run samples on the gas chromatograph.
- Review data against specifications.
See a full day in the life of a chemical technician →
Chemical Technician salary
Half of chemical technicians earned more than $60,390 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $41,740 for the lowest 10% to $92,040 for the top 10%.
Full chemical technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a chemical technician
- Take chemistry and math
- Earn an associate degree
- Do an internship
- Get hired
- Advance
An associate degree in chemistry, applied science or chemical technology is typical, plus on-the-job training.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a chemical technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Analytical chemistry
- Instrument operation
- Solution preparation
- Data analysis
- Quality control
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Teamwork
- Integrity
All chemical technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two-year path into science
- Hands-on lab work
- Many industries
- Good pay for an associate degree
Cons
- Chemical hazards
- Repetitive testing
- Shift work in some plants
- Strict documentation
Certifications and licenses
- ACS-approved chemical technology degree: Recognized programs.
- HAZWOPER: Hazardous waste training.
- GMP training: For regulated manufacturing.
- Instrument vendor training: Specific instruments.
Career path
- Lab Technician: Run tests.
- Senior Chemical Technician: Lead methods.
- Lab Supervisor: Manage labs.
- Chemist: With a bachelor’s degree.
Learn the job before day one
Our Chemical Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a titration and prepare a standard solution, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Chemical Plant Operator
Control the reactors and systems that produce chemicals and materials.
- $78,120
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Quality Control Inspector
Measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications.
- $48,570
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Food Science Technician
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Compare: Chemical Technician vs. Chemist · Chemical Technician vs. Chemical Plant Operator · Chemical Technician vs. QC Inspector · Chemical Technician vs. Food Science Technician
Chemical Technician FAQ
Do chemical technicians need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Where do they work?
Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy and research labs.
Is the work safe?
With PPE and procedures, risks are controlled.
How much does a chemical technician make?
The median annual wage for chemical technicians was $60,390 ($29.03 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $41,740 and the highest 10% earned more than $92,040.
How long does it take to become a chemical technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in chemistry, applied science or chemical technology is typical, plus on-the-job training.
Do you need a degree to be a chemical technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More chemical technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-4031 (Chemical technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Chemical technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.