How To Become An Analytical Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is an analytical technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dan Little Ph.D.

Analytical technicians can work in several industries, from manufacturing to biochemistry; however, most of these professionals work as technicians in the field of chemistry. These individuals conduct laboratory tests and analyses in various fields of chemistry, from material manufacturing to immunology, and assist scientists in the study of solids, liquids, and biochemicals. They also assist senior scientists in the implementation of quality control measures and maintenance protocols and provide data and results to clients and upper management.

Analytical technicians are also trained to collect samples, conduct quality control tests of laboratory equipment, monitor analytical systems, perform preventive maintenance of analytical systems, and document and communicate data and results. These individuals are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a laboratory and should possess strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a broad knowledge of laboratory equipment and computers.

Depending upon the industry, many analytical technicians have a bachelor's in engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field. However, the education requirements depend on the industry, and in some cases, candidates with sufficient skills and knowledge may be considered for a position as an analytical technician. These individuals can make up to $60,000 per year in the US, and the job market is expected to grow 2% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to an analytical technician?

Dan Little Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Ohio Dominican University

Due to the pandemic, it will likely be more complicated than usual to find a job right away in the current economic situation. Companies are probably weighing the pros and cons of remaining open at all right now, so the prospect of filling vacant positions is secondary. But don't panic! Keep in touch with as many contacts as possible. Personal connections can be the best path to unexpected career opportunities.

ScoreAnalytical TechnicianUS Average

Salary

5.4

Avg. Salary $69,177

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.9

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 8.37%

Black or African American 8.55%

Hispanic or Latino 16.54%

Unknown 4.28%

White 61.85%

Gender

female 43.56%

male 56.44%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an analytical technician

Explore analytical technician education requirements

Most common analytical technician degrees

Bachelor's

65.9 %

Associate

18.2 %

Master's

7.7 %

Start to develop specific analytical technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Lab Equipment	12.42%
HPLC	5.67%
SQL	5.15%
R	4.48%
Lims	4.02%

Complete relevant analytical technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New analytical technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an analytical technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real analytical technician resumes.

Research analytical technician duties and responsibilities

Start mixer and allow it to run for prescribe time to attain specify viscosity and color.
Manage daily production schedule, monitor machine operation, addressed any etching machinery problems.
Perform prescribed ASTM and ISO procedures on condom lot submissions to determine acceptability for use.
Perform gas and liquid chromatography, GLP and statistical analysis, among many other lab duties.

Prepare your analytical technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your analytical technician resume.

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