How To Become A Chemical Dependency Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a chemical dependency technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Sepideh Soheilian Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a chemical dependency technician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.99 an hour? That's $35,341 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 2,700 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a chemical dependency technician?

Sepideh Soheilian Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Baltimore

Counseling Psychologists have a specialized understanding and training with regard to how to provide evidence-based and culturally informed clinical intervention, assessment, prevention, training, and research practices. Due to this specialized knowledge and training, Counseling Psychologist are employed in myriad settings including but not limited to: private practice, university counseling centers, veterans affairs, hospitals, community mental health settings, academic affairs, and academia in the role of faculty or administration. Depending on their role, Counseling Psychologists will provide mental health counseling and/or assessments, engage in teaching, conduct and publish research, develop and engage in mental health advocacy and outreach programs, and engage in social justice advocacy work.

ScoreChemical Dependency TechnicianUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,341

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.9

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 5.45%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 16.97%

Unknown 4.31%

White 66.62%

Gender

female 64.74%

male 35.26%

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 a chemical dependency technician

Explore chemical dependency technician education requirements

Most common chemical dependency technician degrees

Bachelor's

49.2 %

Associate

22.7 %

High School Diploma

10.2 %

Start to develop specific chemical dependency technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Chemical Dependency	11.83%
Patients	11.60%
Vital Signs	11.24%
Patient Care	8.74%
Substance Abuse	6.96%

Complete relevant chemical dependency technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New chemical dependency 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 a chemical dependency technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real chemical dependency technician resumes.

Research chemical dependency technician duties and responsibilities

Drive to pick up new clients, drive clients to outside AA or NA meetings.
Transport to outside AA meetings.
Diagnose and recommend treatment for clients base on ASAM and DSM criteria.
Understand and comply with the practice regulations as outlined by OASAS and JCAHO.

Prepare your chemical dependency technician resume

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

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