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Occupation AtlasChemical Technicians

O*NET · 19-4031.00

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.

Also called Analysis Tester · Analytical Lab Technician · Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician) · Analytical Technician · Assayer · Bleach Analyst · Chemical Analyst · Chemical Analytical Sampler
111 more

Chemical Dependency Tech · Chemical Dependency Technician (Chemical Dependency Tech) · Chemical Engineering Technician · Chemical Lab Assistant · Chemical Lab Technician · Chemical Lab Tester · Chemical Laboratory Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant) · Chemical Laboratory Technician (Chemical Lab Technician) · Chemical Laboratory Tester (Chemical Lab Tester) · Chemical Process Tech · Chemical Process Technician (Chemical Process Tech) · Chemical Research Worker · Chemical Technician · Chemical Tester · Chemist Assistant · Chemist Helper · Chemistry Lab Technician · Chemistry Lab Technician (Chemistry Laboratory Technician) · Chemistry QC Tech · Chemistry QC Tech (Chemistry Quality Control Technician) · Chemistry Research Assistant · Chemistry Technician · Cloth Tester · Color Consultant · Color Maker · Color Maker Formulator · Color Matcher · Color Tester · Colorist · Colorist Formulator · Concrete Analyst · Concrete Technician · Concrete Tester · Control Analyst · Drug Testing Technician · Dry Color Tester · Dye Colorist Formulator · Dye Expert · Dye Lab Technician · Fiber Analyst · Field Lab Operator · Field Laboratory Operator (Field Lab Operator) · Flue Gas Analyst · Formulation Technician · Formulator · Formulator Compounder · Gas Tech · Gas Technician (Gas Tech) · Gold Assayer · Grey Goods Tester · Inorganic Chemical Technician · Lab Analyst · Lab Assistant · Lab Chemical Assistant · Lab Cureman · Lab Tech · Lab Tester · Lab Worker · Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst) · Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant) · Laboratory Chemical Assistant (Lab Chemical Assistant) · Laboratory Cureman (Lab Cureman) · Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech) · Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester) · Laboratory Worker (Lab Worker) · Landfill Gas Tech · Landfill Gas Technician (Landfill Gas Tech) · Mass Spectrometrist · Materials Analyst · Measurement Tech · Measurement Technician (Measurement Tech) · Medical Lab Technician · Medical Lab Technician (Medical Laboratory Technician) · Natural Gas Tech · Natural Gas Technician (Natural Gas Tech) · Oil and Gas Analyst · Organic Prep Analyst · Organic Prep Technician · Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst) · Organic Preparation Technician (Organic Prep Technician) · Paint Formulator · Paint Lab Technician · Paint Laboratory Technician (Paint Lab Technician) · Paint Technician · Paint Tester · Perfumer · Plastic Technician · Polymer Tester · Process Development Associate · Pyrotechnist · QC Lab Tech · QC Tech · Quality Control Laboratory Technician (QC Lab Tech) · Quality Control Technician (QC Tech) · R & D Associate · Rayon Tester · Research and Development Associate (R & D Associate) · Research Technician · Rubber Compounder Formulator · Scientific Research Associate · Spectrograph Operator · Spectrographer · Spectroscopist · Technical Staff Member · Textile Colorist Formulator · Textile Technologist · Viscosity Inspector · Viscosity Worker · Water Analyst · Water Quality Technician · Wet Chemistry Analyst

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative5.80
  • R Realistic5.45
  • C Conventional5.25
  • S Social1.64
  • A Artistic1.51
  • E Enterprising1.13

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent33%
  • Some College Courses22%
  • Bachelor's Degree44%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (34%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Sciencebasic4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Writingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Monitoringbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Operations Monitoring3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Systems Evaluation3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Time Management3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Instructing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Mathematicsbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Operation and Control3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Systems Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Equipment Maintenance2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Troubleshooting2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Equipment Selection2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Repairing2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Service Orientation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Negotiation2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Operations Analysis2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Technology Design2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Programming1.50.6
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

12 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.4.5
  2. Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.4.4
  3. Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.4.4
  4. Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.4.4
  5. Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.4.4
  6. Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.4.3
  7. Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.4.2
  8. Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.4.2
  9. Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products.4.1
  10. Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.3.9
  11. Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.3.9
  12. Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.3.7
Show the other 4
  1. Operate experimental pilot plants, assisting with experimental design.3.7
  2. Direct or monitor other workers producing chemical products.3.6
  3. Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes.3.4
  4. Develop new chemical engineering processes or production techniques.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Chemistry3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • English Language3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Computers and Electronics3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Production and Processing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administrative2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Education and Training2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology2.42.6
  • Mechanical2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Transportation2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Physics2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Administration and Management1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Communications and Media1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Public Safety and Security1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Law and Government1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Design1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Biology1.61.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Geography1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Telecommunications1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Foreign Language1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Psychology1.5—
  • Sales and Marketing1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Building and Construction1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Economics and Accounting1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Written Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Inductive Reasoning3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.83.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category Flexibility3.64.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.64.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Oral Expression3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Clarity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visualization3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Number Facility3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Far Vision2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Multilimb Coordination2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Auditory Attention2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Time Sharing2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk Strength2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Rate Control2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Static Strength2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Depth Perception1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Response Orientation1.91.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.9
  • Spatial Orientation1.40.5
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.54.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Processing Information4.34.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
  • Getting Information4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Working with Computers4.13.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.65.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.22.6
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.02.8
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.82.6
  • Thinking Creatively2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Developing and Building Teams2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.62.8
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams5.0
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.5
  • Time Pressure4.4
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.2

Technology

18 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot

Hot (11; 3 more marked hot above)

  • C++
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
Other tools (4)
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Laboratory information management system LIMS
  • Software development tools

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Chemists
  2. Calibration Technologists and Technicians
  3. Chemical Engineers
  4. Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  5. Chemical Plant and System Operators
  6. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  7. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  8. Quality Control Analysts
  9. Food Science Technicians
  10. Agricultural Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.