Occupation Details
Chemical Technicians
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$40,500.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$60,050.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$71,770.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
2,740
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
3,100
+36 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
350
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Abbe refractometers
- Agitation tanks
- Ammeters
- Aneroid barometers
- Asbestos gloves
- Atomic absorption AA spectroscopes
- Atomic emissions spectroscopes
- Automated microviscometers
- Automated polarimeters
- Automatic buret cleaners
- Automatic burets
- Automatic pipette cleaners
- Autotitrators
- Ball mills
- Beckmann thermometers
- Bell jars
- Benchtop centrifuges
- Bimetallic strip thermometers
- Bomb calorimeters
- Bourdon gauges
- Bubble flow meters
- Bubble-cap fractionating columns
- Buchner funnels
- Bunsen burners
- Canister gas masks
- Capillary tubing
- Cartesian manostats
- Chromatography developing tanks
- Chromatography microsyringes
- Claisen flasks
Technology
- C++
- Database software
- Email software
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Java
- Oracle software
- Python
- SAP business and customer relations management software
- Software development tools
- Spreadsheet software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain laboratory or field equipment
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- communicate technical information
- design manufacturing processes or methods
- develop new chemical processing techniques or formulas
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- design equipment, apparatus, or instruments for scientific research
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- develop plans for programs or projects
- work as a team member
- explain complex mathematical information
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
- operate chemical processing equipment
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- operate specialized equipment in chemical laboratory
- mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use chemical processing emergency procedures
- use hazardous materials information
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use quality assurance techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use knowledge of metric system
- understand properties of gases or liquids
- examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- collect scientific or technical data
- obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers
- collect statistical data
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- adhere to safety procedures
- maintain established procedures concerning quality assurance
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- monitor the chemical action of substances
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- measure, weigh, or count products or materials
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- inventory stock to ensure adequate supplies
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
- Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
- Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
- Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
- Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
- Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products.
- Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.
- Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
- Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.
- Operate experimental pilot plants, assisting with experimental design.
- Direct or monitor other workers producing chemical products.
- Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes.
- Develop new chemical engineering processes or production techniques.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
As a professional society dedicated to the application of science to the law, the AAFS is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences. Academy's members are physicians, attorneys, dentists, toxicologists, physical anthropologists, document examiners, psychiatrists, physicists, engineers, criminalists, educators, and others.
Learn MoreAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
AIChE's vision is to provide value as the global leader of the chemical engineering profession, be the lifetime center for professional and personal growth and security of chemical engineers, and be the foremost catalyst in applying chemical engineering expertise in meeting societal needs.
Learn MoreAnnual Elementary Teacher Science Workshop
Looking for hands on science activities for your elementary school students? This two day workshop offers elementary school teachers the unique opportunity to explore various hands on science activities. These science activities come with lesson plans that align with National Education Standards, New York State Math, Science, and Technology Standards.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators
The Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators introduces students, grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9, to the enchanting world of forensic investigation! Learn about and participate in a number of hands-on, state-of-the-art techniques and tests.
Learn MoreCornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) Institute for Chemistry Teachers
This intensive one-week lecture and laboratory course is designed specifically for high school chemistry teachers to update them on recent advances in chemistry. Lectures will be given by various Cornell faculty on topics such as equilibrium, organic chemistry, redox reactions, electrochemistry and fuel cells. Corresponding laboratory activities designed for the classroom will also be presented.
Learn MoreCornell University Nanobiotechnology Institute for Teachers
The Nanobiotechnology Institute for Teachers immerses biology, chemistry, physics, and technology teachers in a one-week research experience at Cornell University. Teachers actively participate in research within the center, gaining skills and understanding in the new field of nanobiotechnology. Participants also test drive curriculum modules for their classrooms.
Learn MoreCornell University Tri-Sci Club
Tri-Sci Club is organized by Nanobiotechnology Center(NBTC) at Cornell to stimulate girls' interest in science and engineering. It provides role models for girls interested in science and engineering careers and encourages interscholastic interactions between girls with similar interests and abilities.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Lesson Plans Library
View the list of brand-new lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students. Lesson plans include the sciences, mathematics and technology. Hundreds of original lesson plans, all written by teachers for teachers are easily accessible. Use the pull-down menus to browse by subject, grade, or both.
Learn MoreFIRST 2007 Power Puzzle Challenge
The 2007 Challenge theme has been announced! The Global Power Puzzle alternative energy resources and meeting the global demand is it! How do our personal energy choices to heat our homes, fuel our cars, charge our cell phones, power our computers, or even download music to our iPods impact the environment, economy, and life around the globe? Which resources should we use and why? Explore how energy production and consumption choices affect the planet and our quality of life today, tomorrow, and for future generations.
Learn MoreFivePoints
FivePoints is Union College's premier summer academic program for rising 8th-12th grade boys and girls. Forensic Science,one of seven course choices, is a multidisciplinary enterprise which incorporates the basic principles of biology, chemistry and physics.
Learn MoreGarcia MRSEC Research Scholar Program for High School Students
The Research Scholar Program for High School Students offers the opportunity for high school teachers and students to perform research on the forefronts of polymer science and technology together with GARCIA faculty and staff. Students work as part of focused research teams and are taught to make original contributions of interest to the scientific community.
Learn MoreHigh School Student Biotechnology Internship Program at Cornell University
The High School Student Internship Program at Cornell University will immerse high school juniors and seniors in a 4 week nanobiotechnology experience. You will actively participate in designing and fabricating devices. Application deadline is March 1, 2007.
Learn MoreHofstra University 's Summer Science Research Program
Hofstra University offers opportunities for selected research oriented high school students to work with science faculty during the summer in an on campus research program. The program is competitive and students must submit a completed application and letter of recommendation from a science teacher. On acceptance, students will be assigned to a specific faculty member based on the student's preference, faculty availability, and the student's laboratoy experience.
Learn MoreImmunity and You Curriculum
We all get sick sometimes and then we get better. Immunity and You, a Practical Guide to the Immune System is an immunology curriculum with integrated laboratory modules created by teachers and scientists working together.
Learn MoreMaterials Research Society:The Materials Gateway
With an eye toward advancing the cause of interdisciplinary research with a ?materials-blind? society vision?the Materials Research Society was founded. The Society's core principles include interdisciplinary, focused symposia, and greater interaction among researchers among the ever-expanding field of materials science.
Learn MorePace University Summer Scholars Program 2007: Forensic Science Uncovering CSI
CSI has nothing on the Forensic Science Program at Pace. Come see how the real experts do it! From the crime scene to the laboratory, students will learn how forensic anthropologists recover and analyze skeletal remains and a look into the crime lab, students will see what a forensic scientists do on a daily basis.
Learn MorePeriodic Table of the Elements
Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed an interactive, internet resource for the science classroom, A Periodic Table of the Elements. When you open any file of an element in the periodic table, you will find a small table with some basic information about that element and this resource for elementary, middle and high school students gives a complete picture of the elements including the history, source, properties, uses and handling of.
Learn MorePutting DNA to Work
Explore how DNA analysis can catch criminals, improve crops and stop epidemics. Through these interactive multimedia activities you can explore some of the applications of DNA technology and discover some of the many ways these uses may affect your life.
Learn MoreRPI National Chemistry Week: Your Home-Its All Built on Chemistry
An annual event, Chemistry Week featured, Your Home-Its All Built on Chemistry. Over 500 parents and students attended interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, a chemistry magic show, and a student poster competition to excite children and their families about science and technology, and encourage them to consider pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Learn MoreRader's Chem4Kids
Chem4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of chemistry to all ages. It has sections on atoms, matter, elements, the periodic table, biochemistry, and reactions.If you are looking for basic chemistry information, stay on this site.
Learn MoreResearch Experience for Teachers (RET) I and II
This six-week program provides middle and high school science teachers with the opportunity to work with researchers and equipment at the cutting edge of materials innovation and discovery. Utilizing laboratories that specialize in electron and optical microscopy, ion beam analysis, polymer characterization, and x-ray diffraction, teachers work together to develop a solution to a specific research question. The final week of the program is devoted to formulating new curriculum for practical use.
Learn MoreResearch Summer Scholar Program for High School Students
The Summer Research Scholar Program is an intensive seven week research program for 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in Physics, Chemistry, and Bioengineering. Students create independent projects with guidance from Garcia Center faculty and graduate students. The program teaches the students to perform original research, analyze scientific data, and use state of-the-art instrumentation
Learn MoreRochester Museum and Science Center Bathysphere Underwater Biological Laboratories (BUBL) Voyage
Participate in and explore the underwater world of Lake Ontario in a virtual underwater experience that is exciting, educational and adventurous.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Secret Agent Lab
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Secret Agent Lab - delve into the mysteries of forensic science! Discover different methods of secret writing and break coded messages in a quest for treasure. Explore the world of optics and make your own camera obscura and kaleidoscope. Use chemistry to identify mysterious substances, and mix your own chemical reactions.
Learn MoreScience NetLinks: Lessons
Science NetLinks provides a wealth of resources for K to 12 science educators. It is your guide to meaningful standards-based Internet experiences for students. The matrix includes lessons in heredity, agriculture, energy sources, structure of matter and more!
Learn MoreScience technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreStrange Matter
Discover the secrets of everyday stuff! Tackle the four big things materials scientists study. Understanding how that stuff is put together, how it can be used, how it can be changed and made better to do more amazing things - even creating completely new kinds of stuff: that's what materials science is all about.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes
This is two-week day camp provides middle school students an introduction to forensic science. Through class room lessons, hands-on laboratory exercises, field trips, and relevant guest speakers, students will learn the science behind crime scene investigations. This program is intended for students who have no prior experience with forensic science, but have an interest in learning about the topic.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Why Plastics?
The Why Plastics? program is a sponsor funded program that provides hands-on science education, career development training, and enrichment activities to students from local and national school districts. The chemistry lessons involve hands-on experiments, computer activities and written exercises. Mentoring and workshops are led by Rensselaer faculty, students, staff, and local professionals.
Learn MoreSyracuse University Summer College Forensic Science Program
Summer College Forensic Science program is intended to provide an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, forensic psychology, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons and arson investigations, among others.
Learn MoreTeach Locally, Teach Globally III, Using Environmental Issues in Science Classrooms to Meet New York State Learning Standards
One of the goals for this workshop is to enhance K12 teachers' content knowledge through dissemination of new STEM teaching resources through print materials and the Internet and through professional development workshops for science teachers.
Learn MoreTeach Locally, Teach Globally III:Using Environmental Issues in Science Classrooms to Meet New York State Learning Standards
One of the goals for this workshop is to enhance K-12 teachers' content knowledge through dissemination of new STEM teaching resources through print materials and the Internet and through professional development workshops for science teachers.
Learn MoreUnion College: FivePoints
FivePoints is Union College's premier summer academic program for rising 8th to 12th grade boys and girls. Forensic Science,one of seven course choices, is a multidisciplinary enterprise which incorporates the basic principles of biology, chemistry and physics.
Learn MoreUniversity of Rochester: Summer Research Program for High School Teachers
The primary focus of this program is full-time, hands-on research. Each teacher will be a working member of a specific research team in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering Departments. A stipend and housing are provided for teachers.
Learn MoreWhy Plastics, Grades K-6, 7-12
The goal of this hands-on science program is to ensure that some of the students who participate will choose scientific research as their career, thereby increasing the scientific participation and contribution of historically underrepresented groups.
Learn More