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.
SOC: 19-4031.00
Common Job Titles
Chemical Technician
Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst)
Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate analytical instrumentation including spectrophotometers, chromatography equipment, and mass spectrometers in laboratory settings to conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemical materials.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze chemical test data and experimental results using mathematical and statistical methods to support research and development initiatives.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate product quality and process compliance with established standards through systematic monitoring and testing protocols in quality control environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret technical documentation, procedures, and scientific literature to maintain current knowledge of analytical methods and regulatory requirements.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate laboratory safety practices with environmental standards when conducting experiments involving hazardous materials and waste management.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess experimental design and testing protocols identifying potential problems and recommending procedural modifications under scientist supervision.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute chemical and physical laboratory procedures following safety protocols and standard operating procedures for handling solids, liquids, and gases.
Developing
KnowledgeApply chemistry principles and laboratory techniques to experimental, theoretical, and practical applications in product development and process optimization.
Developing
KnowledgePrepare comprehensive laboratory reports and technical documentation communicating experimental findings, data analysis, and recommendations to scientists and supervisors.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate precision laboratory equipment and analytical instruments performing routine maintenance to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability.
Developing
MindsetParticipate in interdisciplinary laboratory teams coordinating work activities and sharing technical knowledge to support project objectives.
Developing
KnowledgeApply laboratory information management systems and data analysis software documenting experimental procedures, organizing results, and managing sample tracking workflows.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Chemical Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
55,640
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,030. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,680. 50th percentile: U.S. $57,790. 75th percentile: U.S. $72,940. 90th percentile: U.S. $90,990. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$39,030
10% of workers earn the following or more
$90,990
Workers on average earn
$61,300
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Chemistry3.8/5
English Language3.5/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Computers and Electronics3.1/5
Production and Processing3.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
