Also called: QC Chemist Technician, QC Analyst
Tests samples of raw materials and finished products in a plant lab, from medicines to paint to peanut butter.
You pull samples from each batch, run them through machines that measure purity, thickness or color and compare the results to spec. If a batch fails, the whole thing gets held until it's investigated.
Uses BLS chemical technician ranges; pharma labs pay more.
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 chemistry or lab technology; some jobs prefer a bachelor's.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Chemistry, Laboratory Science, Biotechnology.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). About average growth.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Lab robots and automated analyzers handle more routine testing; fewer techs run more instruments.
Classes: Chemistry, Biology, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4031.
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