How much does a chemical technician make?
a year · about $29 an hour
A typical chemical technician in the United States makes $60,390 a year, about $29 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They set up instruments, test samples, prepare chemical solutions, and check whether products meet quality rules. They maintain equipment and write up results for scientists or engineers.
Did you know? Some chemical technicians help chemists and other scientists develop new medicines—a lab job can play a part in making future treatments.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $41,740 and $92,040How do you become one?
Most U.S. chemical technicians study applied science or chemical technology for about two years after high school; some jobs accept high-school graduates, others want a bachelor's. They train on the job; BLS names no universal exam or license.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill, useful extra training or certifications, and whether someone works in manufacturing, testing, or research. Location and more complex or specialized duties can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Louisiana ($85,850), lowest in Arkansas ($45,230).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $41,740 | $60,390 | $92,040 | about 58,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $85,850 | about 960 |
| Delaware | $78,620 | about 540 |
| South Carolina | $75,020 | about 2,000 |
| Missouri | $68,550 | about 720 |
| Massachusetts | $67,570 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemical-technicians.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/19-4031.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY