Chemical Technicians

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.

Tasks Include:

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.
Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: - 6.1%

National: + 6.7%

Education

High School Diploma

Job Zone:

Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)

Average Earnings:

National

$44,200.00

State

$44,200.00

Regional

Chemical Technicians

Description

Career Cluster:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Education

Required Level of Education

High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) = 25.72%
Some College Courses = 25.41%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 24.50%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level = 15.56%
Bachelor's Degree = 7.34%
Doctoral Degree = 1.47%

Related Work Experience

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 53.99%
None = 21.34%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 7.39%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 5.75%
Up to and including 1 month = 5.19%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 4.84%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 1.50%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Up to and including 1 month = 46.43%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 23.69%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 9.48%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 7.83%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 5.19%
None = 3.62%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 2.26%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 1.50%

On-the-Job Training

Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 33.91%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 29.83%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 21.57%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 6.79%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 6.40%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 1.50%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

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.
Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products.
Operate experimental pilot plants, assisting with experimental design.
Develop new chemical engineering processes or production techniques.
Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes.
Direct or monitor other workers producing chemical products.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Bench refractometers or polarimeters (Abbe refractometers)
Laboratory mixers (Agitation tanks)
Ammeters
Barometers (Aneroid barometers)
Protective gloves (Asbestos gloves)
Atomic absorption AA spectrometers (Atomic absorption AA spectroscopes)
Inductively coupled plasma ICP spectrometers (Atomic emissions spectroscopes)
Viscosimeters (Automated microviscometers)
Polarimeters (Automated polarimeters)
Pipette washers (Automatic buret cleaners)
Robotic or automated liquid handling systems (Automatic burets)
Pipette washers (Automatic pipette cleaners)
Titration equipment (Autotitrators)
Laboratory mills (Ball mills)
Handheld thermometer (Beckmann thermometers)
Laboratory staining dishes or jars (Bell jars)
Benchtop centrifuges
Bi metallic sensors (Bimetallic strip thermometers)
Calorimeters (Bomb calorimeters)
Pressure indicators (Bourdon gauges)
Flowmeters (Bubble flow meters)
Fractionation apparatus (Bubble-cap fractionating columns)
Laboratory funnels (Buchner funnels)
Gas burners (Bunsen burners)
Gas masks (Canister gas masks)
Laboratory general purpose tubing (Capillary tubing)
Manostats (Cartesian manostats)
Thin layer chromatography tanks (Chromatography developing tanks)
Chromatography syringes (Chromatography microsyringes)
Laboratory flasks (Claisen flasks)
Manometers (Closed-end manometers)
Comparators
Laboratory vacuum pumps (Computer-controlled pumps)
Water baths (Constant temperature water baths)
Refrigerated baths (Cooling baths)
Laboratory cork borers (Cork borer sets)
Coulometers
Desktop computers
Heating or drying equipment or accessories (Dessicators)
Arc lamps (Deuterium lamps)
Bench refractometers or polarimeters (Differential refractometers)
Calorimeters (Differential scanning calorimeters)
Laboratory vacuum pumps (Diffusion pumps)
Handheld thermometer (Digital handheld thermometers)
Dissolved oxygen meters
Laboratory heat exchange condensers (Distilling condensers)
Vacuum desiccators (Drying pistols)
Respirators (Dust and particulate respirators)
Lasers (Dye lasers)
Electronic toploading balances
Laboratory dishes (Evaporating dishes)
Vacuum or rotary evaporators (Evaporator rotators)
Fume hoods or cupboards (Exhaust hoods)
Fume hoods or cupboards (Explosion-proof fume hoods)
Eyewashers or eye wash stations (Eyewash fountains)
Facial shields (Face shields)
Filtering machinery (Filter pumps)
Syringe pumps (Finger pumps)
Fire extinguishers
Flame ionization analyzers (Flame ionization detectors FID)
Photometers (Flame photometers)
Liquid scintillation counters (Fluid scintillation counters)
Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (Fluorimeters)
Infrared spectrometers (Fourier transfer infrared FTIR spectrometers)
Gas burners
Gas chromatographs (Gas chromatography equipment)
Laboratory general purpose tubing (Gas drying tubes)
Gas detectors (Gas leak detectors)
Geiger counters (Geiger-Muller counters)
Laboratory burets (Glass burets)
Glass crucibles (Glass laboratory crucibles)
Glass tubing
Ceramic crucibles (Gooch crucibles)
Calculators or accessories (Graphing calculators)
Programmable tube furnaces (Graphite furnaces)
Gravimeters (Gravitational field indicators)
Laboratory mechanical convection ovens (Gravity convection ovens)
Hazardous material protective apparel (Hazardous material protective clothing)
Heating mantles or tapes (Heating mantles)
High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography (High pressure liquid chromatograph HPLC equipment)
High pressure sodium lamps
Laboratory funnels (Hirsch funnels)
Arc lamps (Hollow cathode lamps)
Homogenizers
Hot air blowers
Hydrometers
Immersion heaters
Infrared spectrometers (Infrared IR spectroscopes)
Infrared lamps
Ion chromatographs (Ion exchange chromatography equipment)
Vacuum gauges (Ionization gauges)
Laboratory balances
Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers (Laboratory blenders)
Laboratory centrifugal pumps
Drying cabinets or ovens (Laboratory drying ovens)
Laboratory flasks
Laboratory hotplates (Laboratory heating plates)
Laboratory presses (Laboratory pressing equipment)
Laboratory tongs
Laboratory vacuum pumps (Laboratory vacuum hand pumps)
Laboratory vacuum pumps
Gas burners (Laminar flow burners)
Lasers
Air or gas tanks or cylinders (Lecture bottles)
Liquid chromatographs (Liquid chromatography equipment)
Mass spectrometers (Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry LC/MS equipment)
Peristaltic pumps (Liquid transfer pumps)
Remote reading thermometers (Liquid-filled remote thermometers)
Freezedryers or lyophilzers (Lyophilizers)
Laboratory mixers (Magnetic agitators)
Magnetic stirrers (Magnetic stirring bars)
Mainframe computers
Mass spectrometers
Vacuum gauges (McLeod gauges)
Gas burners (Meker burners)
Barometers (Mercury barometers)
Mercury vapor lamps
Metering pumps
Fractionation apparatus (Molecular stills)
Monochromators
Pestle or mortars (Mortars and pestles)
Laboratory box furnaces (Muffle furnaces)
Multimeters
Laboratory sprayers (Nebulizers)
Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers (Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes)
Optical beamsplitters (Optical beamsplitting devices)
Binocular light compound microscopes (Optical compound microscopes)
Pyrometers (Optical pyrometers)
Organic carbon analyzers
Fume hoods or cupboards (Perchloric acid hoods)
Personal computers
pH meters (pH indicators)
Ion analyzers (Photo detectors)
Photoelectric sensors (Photocells)
Chromatography tubing (Photomultiplier tubes)
Vacuum gauges (Pirani gauges)
Cuvettes (Plastic cuvettes)
Polarimeters
Polarizers
Pressure indicators (Pressure gauges)
Prisms
Pull spring balances
Pycnometers
Radiation detectors
Fume hoods or cupboards (Radioisotope fume hoods)
Laboratory flasks (Reaction flasks)
Laboratory heat exchange condensers (Reflux condensers)
Refrigerated cooling modules (Refrigerated coolers)
Rheometers
Rotameters
Vacuum or rotary evaporators (Rotary evaporators)
Lasers (Ruby lasers)
Safety glasses
Protective gloves (Safety gloves)
Goggles (Safety goggles)
Decontamination shower (Safety showers)
Laboratory crushers or pulverizers (Sample crushers)
Laboratory balances (Single-pan balances)
Spectrophotometers
Heating or drying equipment or accessories (Steam baths)
Tensiometers (Tension gauges)
Laboratory clamps (Test tube clamps)
Thermal conductivity analyzers (Thermal conductivity detectors)
Thermocouples
Thinlayer chromatographs (Thinlayer chromatography analyzers)
Titration equipment (Titrators)
Laboratory balances (Torsion balances)
Pasteur or transfer pipettes (Transfer pipettes)
Triple beam balances
Turbidimeters
Manometers (U-tube manometers)
Ultracentrifuges
Ultraviolet UV lamps
Chromatographic detectors (Ultraviolet UV light detectors)
Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (Ultraviolet UV spectroscopes)
Laboratory balances (Unequal-arm balances)
Laboratory clamps (Utility clamps)
Laboratory flasks (Vacuum flask traps)
Vacuum gauges
Multi gas monitors (Vapor monitor badges)
Air velocity and temperature monitors (Velometers)
Viscosimeters (Viscosity meters)
Voltage or current meters (Voltmeters)
Laboratory vacuum pumps (Volume displacement pumps)
Laboratory flasks (Volumetric flasks)
Volumetric pipettes (Volumetric glass pipettes)
Laboratory vacuum pumps (Water aspirators)
Laboratory balances (Westphal balances)

Technologies Include:

Analytical or scientific software

Laboratory information management system LIMS software

Data base user interface and query software

Database software

Electronic mail software

Email software

Office suite software

Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Microsoft Word
Word processing software

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Special Requirements

Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Chemical Technicians

Additional Resources

For information about a career as a chemical technician, contact:

American Chemical Society
Education Division
Career Publications
1155 16th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.acs.org

For career information and a list of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in forensics sciences, contact:

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
P.O. BOX 669
Colorado Springs, CO 80901
http://www.aafs.org

For information on forestry technicians and lists of schools offering education in forestry, send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to:

Society of American Foresters
5400 Grosvenor Ln.
Bethesda, MD 20814
http://www.safnet.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Chemical Technicians

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
82.25	Chemistry	Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
73.50	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
70.25	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
69.25	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
54.75	Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
54.25	Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
53.25	Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Skills

%	Subject	Description
72.00	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
68.75	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
65.50	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
65.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
65.50	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
62.50	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
59.50	Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
59.50	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
56.25	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
56.25	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
53.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
53.00	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
53.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53.00	Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
50.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
72.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
72.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
68.75	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
68.75	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
65.50	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
65.50	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
62.50	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
62.50	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
62.50	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
62.50	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
59.50	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
56.25	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
53.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
53.00	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53.00	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50.00	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
50.00	Visual Color Discrimination	The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
50.00	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
50.00	Number Facility	The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
50.00	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
84.00	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
83.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
81.50	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
81.25	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
78.75	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
78.25	Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
75.50	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
75.00	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
74.25	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
71.25	Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
70.75	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
68.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
67.50	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
66.00	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
64.00	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
63.25	Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
60.75	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
60.75	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
57.50	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
55.00	Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
53.00	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
52.75	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
91.25	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
79.50	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
79.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
78.25	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
77.25	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
76.75	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
72.50	Self Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
71.00	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
70.75	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
68.25	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
66.75	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
58.00	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
53.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
53.00	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
52.50	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
72.17	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
55.50	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
99.60	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
92.00	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
91.40	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
90.60	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
86.40	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
84.00	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
80.80	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
80.20	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
79.60	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
78.80	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
78.20	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
77.60	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
76.20	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
72.60	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
66.40	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
66.40	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
65.60	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
63.80	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
59.20	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
58.00	Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment	How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
57.00	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
56.00	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
56.00	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body	How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
55.80	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
55.60	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
55.60	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
55.20	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
53.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
52.00	Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection	How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
52.00	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
51.80	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
50.00	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- 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.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Earnings Benefits

Region	Entry Level	Average	Experienced
United States	$25,990.00	$44,560.00	$68,340.00
Virginia	$26,600.00	$44,200.00	$60,060.00

Region	Entry Level	Average	Experienced
Bay Consortium	$25,252.96	$29,608.66	$36,796.85
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$27,743.67	$42,566.26	$53,895.15
Central VA/Region2000	$38,068.57	$53,163.96	$80,362.03
Crater Area	$39,658.73	$49,263.60	$63,078.14
Greater Peninsula	$24,486.27	$39,017.80	$57,898.95
Hampton Roads	$27,616.90	$43,224.43	$58,861.37
New River/Mt. Rogers	$26,263.04	$39,552.25	$52,430.74
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	$35,413.57	$52,126.50	$68,834.36
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	$32,871.13	$43,006.39	$55,963.99
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	$27,505.35	$48,575.00	$59,540.84
Western Virginia	$28,626.98	$44,417.05	$69,684.21

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Chemical Technicians

Employment Projections

National	2010	2020	% Change
United States	61,000	65,100	+ 6.7%

State	2008	2018	% Change
Virginia	1,047	983	- 6.1%

Region	2008	2018	% Change
Bay Consortium	0	0	+ 0.0%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	257	231	- 10.1%
Central VA/Region2000	29	26	- 10.3%
Crater Area	130	110	- 15.4%
Greater Peninsula	75	81	+ 8.0%
Hampton Roads	37	35	- 5.4%
New River/Mt. Rogers	74	63	- 14.9%
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	93	80	- 14.0%
Piedmont Workforce	0	0	+ 0.0%
Shenandoah Valley	0	0	+ 0.0%
South Central	0	0	+ 0.0%
Southwestern Virginia	0	0	+ 0.0%
West Piedmont	0	0	+ 0.0%
Western Virginia	31	30	- 3.2%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.

Chemical Technicians

Related Occupations

Related Occupations

Careers in Science and Math Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

View Videos

The following videos are available for this occupation:

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (4.20 Mb)
Chemical Technicians (3.14 Mb)

Macromedia Flash is required for viewing the videos. If you do not have the Flash plugin, it is freely available for download.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.

Chemical Technicians

Military Training

There are no related military occupations for this occupation.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.

Chemical Technicians

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Getting Information	4.5
Documenting/Recording Information	4.5
Analyzing Data or Information	4.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Interacting With Computers	4.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	3.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	3.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Training and Teaching Others	3.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Handling and Moving Objects	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Performing Administrative Activities	3.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Assisting and Caring for Others	3.0
Performing General Physical Activities	3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	2.5
Coaching and Developing Others	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.5
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.5
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	2.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	2.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Titles

Air Quality Laboratory Technician
Analysis Tester
Analytical Lab Technician
Analytical Technician
Assayer
Assayer Helper
Bleach Analyst
Cement Tester Assistant
Chemical Analyst
Chemical Analytical Sampler
Chemical Engineering Technician
Chemical Lab Technician
Chemical Laboratory Assistant
Chemical Laboratory Technician
Chemical Laboratory Tester
Chemical Research Worker
Chemical Technician
Chemical Tester
Chemist Assistant
Chemist Helper
Chemistry Quality Control Technician
Chemistry Research Assistant
Cloth Tester
Color Consultant
Color Maker
Color Maker Formulator
Color Matcher
Color Tester
Colorist
Colorist Formulator
Concrete Analyst
Concrete Technician
Concrete Tester
Control Analyst
Cosmetic Chemist
Criminalist
Dry Color Tester
Dye Colorist Formulator
Dye Expert
Dye Lab Technician
Environmental Lab Technician
Fiber Analyst
Field Laboratory Operator
Flue Gas Analyst
Forensic Chemist
Formulation Technician
Formulator
Formulator Compounder
Gas Chromatography Lab Technician
Gold Assayer
Grey Goods Tester
Inorganic Chemical Technician
Lab Tester
Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst)
Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Chemical Assistant
Laboratory Cureman
Laboratory Supervisor
Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester)
Laboratory Worker
Materials Analyst
Organic Preparation Technician
Paint Formulator
Paint Laboratory Technician
Paint Technician
Paint Tester
Perfumer
Pilot Plant Operator
Plastic Technician
Polymer Tester
Product Development Lab Chemist
Pyrotechnist
Qualified Lab Technician
Quality Control Lab Technician
Rayon Tester
Research and Development Technician
Research Associate
Research Technician
Rubber Compounder Formulator
Spectrograph Operator
Spectrographer
Spectroscopist
Textile Colorist Formulator
Textile Technologist
Viscosity Inspector
Viscosity Worker
Water Analyst

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Chemical Technicians

Related Schools

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University