Chemical Technicians
SOC code 19-4031 · O*NET-SOC 19-4031.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Chemical Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$60,390
a year
Hourly
$29.03
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$63,900
$30.72 per hour
Middle 50%
$48,530 – $75,900
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$41,740 – $92,040
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
57,540
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $41,740
- $20.07/hr
- 25th percentile
- $48,530
- $23.33/hr
- Median percentile
- $60,390
- $29.03/hr
- 75th percentile
- $75,900
- $36.49/hr
- 90th percentile
- $92,040
- $44.25/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
57,000
jobs in 2024
59,000
projected for 2034
About 2,000 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a chemical technician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
- Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
- Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
- Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
- Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
How to become a chemical technician
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 44% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree44%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)33%
- Some College Courses22%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%
Common questions
How much does a chemical technician earn?
The national median is $60,390 a year. The full range runs from $41,740 at the 10th percentile to $92,040 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a chemical technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is chemical technician in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Science4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Monitoring3.9/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Active Learning3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Chemistry3.8/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.1/5
- Production and Processing3.0/5
- Administrative2.9/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring.