What does a chemistry laboratory technician do?
A chemical laboratory technician is an individual who works in a designated laboratory to conduct analytical or lab-based tests on a variety of chemicals, materials, or products. Chemical laboratory technicians receive and test samples for quality assurance, safety inspection, or environmental impact. Under the supervision of chemists and other team members, they perform lab activities such as setting up lab equipment and preparing chemical solutions. Chemistry laboratory technicians can work in different industries such as pharmaceutical, mining, food, and environmental organizations.
Chemistry laboratory technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real chemistry laboratory technician resumes:
- Participate in audits by FDA and ISO.
- Assist in preparing and storing laboratory experiments.-Guide students through laboratory procedure.-collect student data for HPLC, GC/MS, and NMR samples.
- Skil in characterization of compounds using 1HNMR , 13CNMR, IR, GC, UV-Vis spec.
- Train mill trainees on ISO procedures.
- Inventory lab chemicals and MSDS sheets.
- Maintain and repair FTIR and UV-Vis spectrophotometers.
- Organize and shelve chemicals according to MSDS standards.
- Certify as a trainer in core QC testing.
- Analyze samples using GC instrumentation with ECD and FID detection systems.
- Perform shelf life studies, GMP audits, tanker, and equipment inspections.
- Maintain an LIMS and documentation of experimental results, safety, and training.
- Prepare standards and test solutions; receive samples and open records in LIMS system.
- Carry out chemistry test panels, hematology testing, urine analysis, hormones and tumor marker testing.
- Carry out analytical testing of in-process and finish dialysis concentrate products and raw materials in a GMP setting.
- Provide direct and non-chemical laboratory support for students enroll in organic chemistry laboratory courses.
Chemistry laboratory technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Chemistry Laboratory Technicians are proficient in Lab Equipment, Test Results, and Laboratory Tests. They’re also known for soft skills such as Ability to use technology, Observation skills, and Time-management skills.
We break down the percentage of Chemistry Laboratory Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Lab Equipment, 12%
Performed repairs, installations, calibrations and calibration validation on all chemistry lab equipment.
- Test Results, 7%
Performed standard laboratory bench analyses and documented test results for Pharmaceutical and Medical device products.
- Laboratory Tests, 5%
Prepared test solutions, compounds, and reagents to conduct laboratory testing and conduct calibration of laboratory equipment.
- Chemistry Laboratory, 4%
Organized and maintained storage facilities and collection of chemistry laboratory wastes.
- Safety Procedures, 4%
Developed operational and safety procedures for chemical handling.
- HPLC, 4%
Test commodities for Carbohydrates using HPLC instrumentation.
"lab equipment," "test results," and "laboratory tests" are among the most common skills that chemistry laboratory technicians use at work. You can find even more chemistry laboratory technician responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. A big part of what chemistry laboratory technicians do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to chemistry laboratory technician responsibilities because "chemical technicians must be methodical in conducting scientific experiments and interpreting data." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical chemistry laboratory technician tasks: "analyze raw materials/finished product per qasp and msds complied with fda and osha regulations"
Communication skills. Another common skill required for chemistry laboratory technician responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of chemistry laboratory technicians all the time, as "chemical technicians must explain their work to scientists and engineers or to workers who may not have a technical background." An excerpt from a real chemistry laboratory technician resume shows how this skill is central to what a chemistry laboratory technician does: "inventory data reports data entry telecommunications filing product testing employee training machinery inspections"
The three companies that hire the most chemistry laboratory technicians are:
- Halliburton7 chemistry laboratory technicians jobs
- Kelly Services5 chemistry laboratory technicians jobs
- AbbVie4 chemistry laboratory technicians jobs
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Compare different chemistry laboratory technicians
Chemistry laboratory technician vs. Microbiologist
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, chemistry laboratory technician responsibilities require skills like "laboratory tests," "chemistry laboratory," "safety procedures," and "analytical chemistry." Meanwhile a typical microbiologist has skills in areas such as "microbiology lab," "laboratory procedures," "bioburden," and "aseptic technique." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Microbiologists really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $57,911. Comparatively, chemistry laboratory technicians tend to make the most money in the energy industry with an average salary of $44,326.microbiologists tend to reach higher levels of education than chemistry laboratory technicians. In fact, microbiologists are 6.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.9% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Chemistry laboratory 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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, chemistry laboratory technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "test results," "laboratory tests," "chemistry laboratory," and "safety procedures." Meanwhile, an associate scientist has duties that require skills in areas such as "chemistry," "patients," "cell culture," and "flow cytometry." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Associate scientists earn a higher average salary than chemistry laboratory technicians. But associate scientists earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $80,987. Additionally, chemistry laboratory technicians earn the highest salaries in the energy with average pay of $44,326 annually.associate scientists earn higher levels of education than chemistry laboratory technicians in general. They're 11.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for chemistry laboratory technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Bryan Spiegelberg Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Molecular Sciences, Rider University
Chemistry laboratory technician vs. Research and development assistant
A research and development assistant is responsible for supporting the research team in collecting studies and information to support research claims and evaluate data materials. Research and development assistants interview participants, conduct data and statistical analysis, and interpret survey results. They ensure to document all findings and research progress and report any concerns to the research supervisor for immediate resolution. A research and development assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in participating in brainstorming sessions and finalize research subjects as required.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from chemistry laboratory technician resumes include skills like "laboratory tests," "chemistry laboratory," "safety procedures," and "proficiency testing," whereas a research and development assistant is more likely to list skills in "laboratory equipment," "data collection," "assist r," and "java. "
Research and development assistants earn the highest salary when working in the health care industry, where they receive an average salary of $71,587. Comparatively, chemistry laboratory technicians have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $44,326.Most research and development assistants achieve a higher degree level compared to chemistry laboratory technicians. For example, they're 8.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chemistry laboratory technician vs. Quality control chemist
A Quality Control Chemist uses chemistry lab skills to test and measure materials, usually in a manufacturing or pharmaceutical field. They analyze samples using scientific equipment, prepare study protocols, collect data, and identify and investigate abnormal test results.
Types of chemistry laboratory technician
Updated January 8, 2025
