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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,360 | $53,900 | $25.91 | |
| Alaska | 60 | $79,210 | $38.08 | |
| Arizona | 440 | $54,180 | $26.05 | |
| Arkansas | 630 | $44,830 | $21.55 | |
| California | 7,730 | $51,450 | $24.74 | |
| Colorado | 1,650 | $57,420 | $27.61 | |
| Connecticut | 770 | $48,660 | $23.39 | |
| Delaware | 450 | $68,680 | $33.02 | |
| District of Columbia | 70 | $72,940 | $35.07 | |
| Florida | 1,470 | $49,080 | $23.60 | |
| Georgia | 1,210 | $52,610 | $25.29 | |
| Idaho | 270 | $44,110 | $21.21 | |
| Illinois | 2,150 | $56,250 | $27.04 | |
| Indiana | 1,230 | $49,100 | $23.61 | |
| Iowa | 520 | $50,530 | $24.29 | |
| Kansas | 440 | $49,220 | $23.66 | |
| Kentucky | 1,040 | $53,600 | $25.77 | |
| Louisiana | 1,330 | $65,240 | $31.36 | |
| Maine | 150 | $54,900 | $26.39 | |
| Massachusetts | 1,190 | $57,960 | $27.87 | |
| Michigan | 1,800 | $53,380 | $25.66 | |
| Minnesota | 1,340 | $55,910 | $26.88 | |
| Mississippi | 370 | $46,420 | $22.32 | |
| Missouri | 650 | $45,720 | $21.98 | |
| Montana | 230 | $54,350 | $26.13 | |
| Nebraska | 380 | $50,800 | $24.42 | |
| Nevada | 770 | $59,530 | $28.62 | |
| New Hampshire | 180 | $50,840 | $24.44 | |
| New Jersey | 4,200 | $56,850 | $27.33 | |
| New Mexico | 130 | $54,750 | $26.32 | |
| New York | 2,180 | $58,760 | $28.25 | |
| North Carolina | 2,200 | $52,550 | $25.27 | |
| North Dakota | 80 | $56,440 | $27.13 | |
| Ohio | 1,880 | $52,270 | $25.13 | |
| Oklahoma | 580 | $54,830 | $26.36 | |
| Oregon | 310 | $51,100 | $24.57 | |
| Pennsylvania | 3,910 | $58,630 | $28.19 | |
| Rhode Island | 240 | $47,560 | $22.87 | |
| South Carolina | 1,240 | $48,200 | $23.17 | |
| South Dakota | 60 | $45,480 | $21.87 | |
| Tennessee | 1,450 | $53,960 | $25.94 | |
| Texas | 4,470 | $66,680 | $32.06 | |
| Utah | 810 | $47,780 | $22.97 | |
| Vermont | 70 | $50,830 | $24.44 | |
| Virginia | 690 | $50,860 | $24.45 | |
| Washington | 1,250 | $55,580 | $26.72 | |
| West Virginia | $57,060 | $27.43 | ||
| Wisconsin | 1,140 | $49,600 | $23.85 | |
| Wyoming | 250 | $51,720 | $24.87 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of techniques for analyzing and describing matter, including its precise composition and the interrelationships of constituent elements and compounds. Includes instruction in spectroscopy, chromatography, atomic absorption, photometry, chemical modeling, mathematical analysis, laboratory analysis procedures and equipment maintenance, and applications to specific research, industrial and health problems.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the elements and their compounds, other than the hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Includes instruction in the characterization and synthesis of non-carbon molecules, including their structure and their bonding, conductivity, and reactive properties; research techniques such as spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoelectron analysis; and the study of specific compounds, such as transition metals, and compounds composed of inorganic and organic molecules.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the properties and behavior of hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives. Includes instruction in molecular conversion and synthesis, molecular synthesis and design, the molecular structure of living cells and systems, the mutual reactivity of organic and inorganic compounds in combination, the spectroscopic analysis of hydrocarbon compounds, and applications to specific problems in research, industry, and health.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of natural systems (air, water, and soil) through the use of chemical techniques and instrumentation, with an emphasis on the movement and fate of pollutants and chemical aspects of contaminant remediation. Includes instruction in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; aquatic, soil, and atmospheric chemistry; environmental engineering; environmental toxicology; and analytical methods.
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of chemical and biochemical research and industrial operations. Includes instruction in principles of chemistry and biochemistry, technical mathematics, computer applications, radiochemistry, industrial biochemistry, chemical instrumentation, physical chemistry, laboratory research methods, industrial processing methods and equipment, and test equipment operation and maintenance.
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills to the operation of chemical processing equipment in industries such as chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and waste water treatment. Includes instruction in mathematics, chemistry, and physics; computer applications; chemical and refinery plant operations, processes, and equipment; safety, health, and environment; instrumentation; troubleshooting; and applications to specific industries.
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$55,040 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Associate's degreeTypical education requirement
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Moderate-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as chemical technicians.
- Less than high school 3%
- High school graduate 24%
- College dropout 23%
- Associate’s degree 11%
- Bachelor’s degree 31%
- Master’s degree 5%
- Doctorate degree 2%
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