Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Chemical Technician
- Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst)
- Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
- Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)
Alternate Job Titles
- Analysis Tester
- Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician)
- Analytical Technician
- Assayer
- Bleach Analyst
- Chemical Analyst
- Chemical Analytical Sampler
- Chemical Dependency Technician (Chemical Dependency Tech)
- Chemical Engineering Technician
- Chemical Laboratory Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant)
- Chemical Laboratory Technician (Chemical Lab Technician)
- Chemical Laboratory Tester (Chemical Lab Tester)
- Chemical Process Technician (Chemical Process Tech)
- Chemical Research Worker
- Chemical Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Chemistry
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- C++
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Oracle Java
Tools & Equipment
- Abbe refractometers
- Agitation tanks
- Ammeters
- Aneroid barometers
- Asbestos gloves
- Atomic absorption AA spectroscopes
- Atomic emissions spectroscopes
- Automated microviscometers
- Automated polarimeters
- Automatic buret cleaners
- Automatic burets
- Automatic pipette cleaners
- Autotitrators
- Ball mills
- Beckmann thermometers
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Exposed to Contaminants
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $39,030 |
| Median | $57,790 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $90,990 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 55,640
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Chemists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $84,150
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $65,040
Chemical Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $121,860
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $64,790
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $73,540
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.