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Chemical Technicians

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-4031)

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.

At a Glance

Chemical Technicians earns a median of $57,790/yr with +3.7% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, C.

Median Annual Wage

$57,790/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+3.7%

Annual Openings

7

Typical Education

Associate's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (9)

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

4.1
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.9
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.

3.9
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.9
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.4
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.4
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.3

Knowledge (3)

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.

3.8
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.5
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.4

Abilities (12)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.9
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.8
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).

3.8
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 that there is a problem.

3.8
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.8
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.6
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.6
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.6
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.4
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.3

Technology (14)

Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
R

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Database

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (18)

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.3
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.3
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.2
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.2
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.2
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.1
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.

4.1
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.1
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.9
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.7
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.7
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.6
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.6
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.4
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.

3.4

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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