Also called: Lab Technician (Chemical)
Runs tests and helps chemists and engineers develop and produce chemical products.
You take samples from the plant every few hours and run them through instruments that measure purity. When a batch looks off, you alert the operator. Between samples, you help a chemist test a new formula in the lab.
BLS figures for chemical technicians; approximate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in chemical technology or applied science.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Chemical Technology (2-year), Chemistry.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Lab robots and AI analysis take over routine testing; techs who run instruments and troubleshoot remain needed.
Classes: AP Chemistry, Algebra II, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.