What does a chemical technician do?
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Chemical technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real chemical technician resumes:
- Manage daily production schedule, monitor machine operation, addressed any etching machinery problems.
- Used the FTIR to determine the consistency of the BPA.
- Sample preparation for ICP, ICPMS, FLAA, and IC.
- Metal analysis through ICP OES testing.
- Perform GC/MS analyses using sw846, EPA and CLP methodologies.
- Maintain, organize, and update MSDS database for entire company.
- Sample preparation with diamond saws, grinding, polishing and etching.
- Develop proper PPE protocols; monitor product additives, fiber inventories and ratios.
- Use of a wide variety of PPE including respirators, goggles, etc.
- Prepare charts, work process flow diagrams, PowerPoint and other computer-base sales presentations.
- Perform and coordinate calibration of all instruments to meet ISO requirements for the Foley site.
- Audit all facets of internal company programs for compliance to ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001.
- Used FTIR and physical testing processes to analyze customer products in comparison to available adhesives.
- Review for organics data and laboratory reports for completeness and compliance to all NJDEP and EPA regulations.
- Calibrate osmometers, pH meters, conductivity meters, centrifuges, pycnometers, mixers and other instruments daily.
Chemical technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Chemical Technicians are proficient in Lab Equipment, Safety Procedures, and Hazardous Materials. They’re also known for soft skills such as Ability to use technology, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Chemical Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Lab Equipment, 10%
Performed general maintenance and calibrations on lab equipment.
- Safety Procedures, 8%
Acquired skills: Consistent quality controlled and safety procedures; Understanding of material production process and regulatory requirements.
- Hazardous Materials, 5%
Handled hazardous materials and wastes in compliance with company standard operating procedures.
- OSHA, 5%
Maintained lab safety regulations and MSDS reference materials for compliance with Federal State OSHA regulations
- Math, 5%
Advanced Math Background Detail Oriented Follow Instructions Good Listener Gets Along Well With Others Leadership Qualities Team Player Good Personality
- Troubleshoot, 3%
Used real time charting and other tools to troubleshoot process issues to minimize downtime and equipment damage or malfunction.
Common skills that a chemical technician uses to do their job include "lab equipment," "safety procedures," and "hazardous materials." You can find details on the most important chemical technician responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling chemical technician duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "chemical technicians must be methodical in conducting scientific experiments and interpreting data." According to a chemical technician resume, here's how chemical technicians can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "titrated chemical * entered data on company database * performed calibrations, cgmp and fda"
Communication skills. This is an important skill for chemical technicians to perform their duties. For an example of how chemical technician responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "chemical technicians must explain their work to scientists and engineers or to workers who may not have a technical background." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a chemical technician: "improved product quality by reducing rework 35% thru better communications amongst stakeholders. ".
The three companies that hire the most chemical technicians are:
- Lube-Tech46 chemical technicians jobs
- Clean Harbors11 chemical technicians jobs
- Performance Food Group9 chemical technicians jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable chemical technician resume templates
Build a professional chemical technician resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your chemical technician resume.
Compare different chemical technicians
Chemical technician vs. Laboratory analyst
A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between chemical technicians and laboratory analyst. For instance, chemical technician responsibilities require skills such as "safety procedures," "hazardous materials," "osha," and "troubleshoot." Whereas a laboratory analyst is skilled in "test methods," "laboratory procedures," "sample preparation," and "analytical methods." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Laboratory analysts really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $47,806. Comparatively, chemical technicians tend to make the most money in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $66,439.On average, laboratory analysts reach similar levels of education than chemical technicians. Laboratory analysts are 3.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Chemical technician vs. Research and development chemist
A research and development chemist primarily works at laboratories to conduct extensive tests and experiments aiming to develop new products and technologies. Although the extent of their duties may vary, it typically revolves around conducting research and studies, observing chemical reactions, maintaining records and databases, collaborating with fellow experts, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing components or mixtures. They can find employment in different areas, such as manufacturing companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and even education.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real chemical technician resumes. While chemical technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "lab equipment," "safety procedures," "hazardous materials," and "osha," research and development chemists use skills like "product development," "laboratory equipment," "analytical methods," and "synthesis."
On average, research and development chemists earn a higher salary than chemical technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, research and development chemists earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $82,941. Whereas chemical technicians have higher pay in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $66,439.research and development chemists earn higher levels of education than chemical technicians in general. They're 12.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for chemical technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Bryan Spiegelberg Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Molecular Sciences, Rider University
Chemical technician vs. Associate scientist
An Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, chemical technicians are more likely to have skills like "safety procedures," "hazardous materials," "osha," and "math." But a associate scientist is more likely to have skills like "chemistry," "patients," "cell culture," and "data analysis."
Associate scientists earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $80,987. Chemical technicians earn the highest pay from the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $66,439.associate scientists typically earn higher educational levels compared to chemical technicians. Specifically, they're 14.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 4.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chemical technician vs. Quality control
As the name entails, the job of a quality control inspector is to inspect, maintain, and improve the quality and standard of products. They are responsible for ensuring the company's reputation is not damaged due to defective products or inferior manufacturing processes. This can be done by detecting and resolving the problem early on, and returning the product for repair. A quality control inspector should also notify the supervisors immediately when issues arise and coordinate with them to address the problem.
Types of chemical technician
Updated January 8, 2025
