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Chemical Technicians

Also called: Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Research Technician, Analytical Lab Technician

What they 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.
On the job, you would:
  • Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
  • Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • chemistry
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
  • mechanical
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
  • manufacture and distribution of products

Skills

Basic Skills
  • using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
  • reading work related information
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal
  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • use rules to solve problems
Hand and Finger Use
  • put together small parts with your fingers
  • keep your arm or hand steady
Math
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
  • Database software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship Eligible for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$42,070
per year, on average
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Green
This work is part of the green economy.

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about chemical technicians.