Chemical Technician

Print

Work Tasks

• Work with chemists to make and sell chemical products
• Set up and run tests on products and write down results
• Test final products to make sure they meet quality standards
• Keep labs and test areas clean and neat
• Work mostly indoors in labs for the government, colleges, and chemical, oil refining, and food packing companies
• Use lab equipment, chemicals, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $48,500 average per year ($23.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (59,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year degree in science
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in chemistry
• Skills/Courses: College courses include chemistry, physics, math, and computer science, with emphasis on laboratory science courses.