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For Educators: Military Resources

Chemical Technicians

Median Salary
56,750
Job Outlook
+5%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

87%

State and local government

8%

Private not for profit

2%

Self-employed

2%

Federal Government

0%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of chemical technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,300 openings for chemical technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$37,450

10%

$56,750

Median

$81,660

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    43%

  • High school

    33%

  • Some college

    22%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Chemistry, General
  • Chemical Technology/Technician
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Chemical Process Technology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.