Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Associate's degree
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Chemical technicians work in a specialized technical role that combines science, math, and technology. Nationally, there are about 57,000 jobs in this occupation, with projected employment growth of 3.7%. Each year, there are about 7,000 openings, reflecting ongoing demand from both new positions and turnover. Typical entry into the field is through an associate’s degree, making it accessible to people who want a science-related career without a longer degree path. The role draws heavily on detail orientation, critical and analytical thinking, and solid skills in science and mathematics. Successful chemical technicians also rely on computers and information technology, mechanical abilities, and fine motor skills, supported by strong writing and reading. Project management capabilities and physical strength and stamina round out the profile. For students, career changers, or experienced workers looking for a hands-on science career, chemical technician roles offer structured entry requirements, defined skill expectations, and consistent openings across the labor market.
Chemical technicians earn a national median annual salary of $57,790. This puts the occupation in a pay range that can be attractive to individuals entering the field with an associate’s degree. Salaries can vary by location, and several states offer median wages above the national median. For example, Massachusetts reports a median salary of $67,570, while Colorado reports $63,770 and Washington $62,100. In New York and California, median salaries are $60,900 and $59,510 respectively. At the metro level, some areas show even higher median earnings, such as San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $71,470 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $67,850. These figures show that earning potential can differ meaningfully by region, and job seekers comparing offers may want to consider both local wages and overall opportunity scores when evaluating compensation.
Chemical technicians have a national employment base of about 57,000 workers and are projected to grow by 3.7%. This projected growth suggests that the number of positions is expected to increase over time. In addition to growth, there are about 7,000 annual openings nationally. These openings reflect both new job creation and the need to replace workers who change roles, retire, or leave the occupation. The combination of a defined employment base, positive projected growth, and steady annual openings indicates an ongoing need for chemical technicians in the labor market. Individuals considering this career can expect a field with established opportunities rather than a niche or shrinking path. For those exploring alternatives, related options include other science and engineering technician roles, such as life, physical, and social science technicians or various engineering technologists and technicians.
Location can make a significant difference for chemical technicians in terms of both wages and overall opportunity scores. Among states, California has the largest employment at 6,800 positions and a median salary of $59,510, with an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts stands out for its higher median salary of $67,570 and an opportunity score of 65.87, with 1,780 employed. New York combines 2,200 jobs with a $60,900 median salary and a 65.78 opportunity score. Colorado and Washington show smaller employment (1,180 and 730, respectively) but competitive median salaries and solid opportunity scores. At the metro level, several areas rank even higher by opportunity score. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ both have opportunity scores above 77. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metros combine higher median salaries around or above the mid-$60,000s with strong opportunity scores, making them notable options for focused job searches.
The typical education requirement for chemical technicians is an associate’s degree. This makes the field accessible to individuals who want to work in a science- and technology-focused role without completing a bachelor’s program. The occupation relies on a balanced skill set that blends academic knowledge and practical abilities. Core competencies include science and mathematics, supported by comfort with computers and information technology. Being detail oriented and strong in critical and analytical thinking is important for success. The role also values mechanical and fine motor skills, as well as writing and reading, which support accurate documentation and communication. Project management skills help technicians handle tasks and timelines, while physical strength and stamina are part of the overall demands of the job. Taken together, the education level and skill profile make this a structured pathway for students and career changers interested in applied science and technical work.
Use CareerGPS Pro to compare markets, understand the tradeoffs, and focus on the places with the strongest potential.
