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What is a chemist/laboratory technician and how to become one
A chemist/laboratory technician deals with the research with different elements to create viable products. They examine substances down at the molecular level to look at the composition and concentration of features that make up a compound. They collect samples and study and perform tests to develop synthetic fibers, drugs, and cosmetics and create processes, including oil refining and petrochemical processing, which reduce energy use and pollution.
To become a chemist/laboratory technician, you must possess a bachelor's degree or four-year college degree in chemistry. However, you will be benefiting from pursuing higher levels of education as it is preferred.
The graduates who gravitate toward this field end up laying claim to annual earnings that top out at $60,217. For the chemist/laboratory technician, the current median pay ranges from $54,373 to $83,850 in the U.S. However, this figure can vary significantly depending upon your experience, skills, or organization.
What general advice would you give to a Chemist/Laboratory Technician?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Avg. Salary $51,400
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%
Asian 8.42%
Black or African American 7.43%
Hispanic or Latino 16.57%
Unknown 4.28%
White 62.89%
Genderfemale 36.29%
male 63.71%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Chemist/Laboratory Technician career paths
Key steps to become a chemist/laboratory technician
Explore chemist/laboratory technician education requirements
Start to develop specific chemist/laboratory technician skills
Skills Percentages Lab Equipment 19.89% R 8.29% OSHA 5.62% Analytical Methods 4.39% ISO 4.12% Complete relevant chemist/laboratory technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New chemist/laboratory 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 chemist/laboratory technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real chemist/laboratory technician resumes.Research chemist/laboratory technician duties and responsibilities
- Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
- Conduct GC PID/FID analysis, interpret results and process report by LIMS.
- Ensure compliance by following GMP and pertinent FDA requirements for food grade products.
- Point person for FDA audits.
Prepare your chemist/laboratory technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your chemist/laboratory technician resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a chemist/laboratory technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
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Apply for chemist/laboratory technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a chemist/laboratory technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Chemist/Laboratory Technician Job
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Average chemist/laboratory technician salary
The average Chemist/Laboratory Technician salary in the United States is $51,400 per year or $25 per hour. Chemist/laboratory technician salaries range between $37,000 and $70,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do chemist/laboratory technicians rate their job?
Chemist/Laboratory Technician reviews
Skill level required does not equate with salary offered - should be paid more.
To discover new formulas and mixtures thats can break through the science world
I do not have a bachelor in chemistry but i do have a associate's in biology from the university of belize.
Doing something different everyday
Updated January 8, 2025
