Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Chemical Technician
What chemical technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a chemical technician?
Calibrate the pH meter and balances. From there, the day usually includes prepare samples and solutions, run chemical tests, and operate lab instruments. Most work full-time; plant labs may run shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a chemical technician working full time.
- Calibrate the pH meter and balances.
- Test raw material samples from a delivery.
- Run samples on the gas chromatograph.
- Review data against specifications.
- Help a chemist scale up a new formula.
- Write up a certificate of analysis.
- Clean glassware and log chemical waste.
Where chemical technicians work
Chemical technicians work in labs and production plants, wearing protective equipment around chemicals.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; plant labs may run shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Gas and liquid chromatographs
- Spectrometers
- Balances and pH meters
- Fume hoods
- LIMS software
- Glassware
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Two-year path into science
- Hands-on lab work
- Many industries
- Good pay for an associate degree
What’s hard
- Chemical hazards
- Repetitive testing
- Shift work in some plants
- Strict documentation
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I enjoy chemistry
- I’m careful and precise
- I like lab instruments
- I want a two-year degree
- I like routines and procedures
- I take safety seriously
Not sure? Take the free Chemical Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Read SDS before using chemicals
- Use fume hoods and PPE
- Label all containers
- Dispose of waste properly