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.
Also called: Analysis Tester, Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician), Analytical Technician, Assayer, Bleach Analyst, Chemical Analyst
Median pay
$60,390
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$41,740 – $92,040
People employed
57,540
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Chemical Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What chemical technicians do
- 01Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- 02Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
- 03Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- 04Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
- 05Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
- 06Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from chemical technicians
- Chemists85% · +51%
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians82% · group pay
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians80% · +23%
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians79% · +37%
- Chemical Plant and System Operators78% · +29%
Change into chemical technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians84% · $66,120
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists80% · $78,350
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians74% · $59,920
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders73% · $58,040
- Aviation Inspectors72% · $92,100
Majors that lead here
- Chemistry, General
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Chemical Technology/Technician
- Chemical Process Technology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.