Chemical Technicians Salary 2025: $60,390 Median, Top States & Career Outlook
Chemical Technicians earned a median salary of $60,390 in 2024, with a mean annual wage of $63,900 (about $29 per hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $41,740 at the 10th percentile to $92,040 at the 90th. This occupation is often the first step for those who want to work in labs without a four-year degree.
How much Chemical Technicians earn
The national median for Chemical Technicians is $60,390. Half of all workers earn between $41,740 and $92,040. The top 10% break $92,040, often by moving into senior roles or specializing in high-demand industries like oil and gas extraction or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Pay varies significantly by industry. Technicians in petroleum and coal products manufacturing tend to top the scale, while those in testing labs or educational services earn closer to the lower end. Experience and certifications can push pay upward quickly.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Louisiana pays Chemical Technicians the most, with an average annual wage of $85,850, driven by the state's strong petrochemical industry. Alaska ($79,380), Delaware ($78,620), South Carolina ($75,020), and Missouri ($68,550) also offer above-average salaries.
On the lower end, Utah ($49,030), New Hampshire ($48,940), and Arkansas ($45,230) pay well below the national median. These states have fewer high-paying industrial labs, though cost of living may offset some of the difference.
How to become a Chemical Technician
Most Chemical Technicians start with an associate degree in chemical technology, chemistry, or a related field. Some employers accept a high school diploma plus relevant experience, especially for entry-level roles in quality control or production labs.
Hands-on lab skills are critical. Many community colleges offer two-year programs that include lab work in analytical chemistry, instrumentation, and safety procedures. Certifications like the Certified Chemical Technician (CCT) from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) can boost hiring prospects.
Entry-level technicians typically work under supervision, running routine tests, preparing samples, and maintaining equipment. With experience, they can move into senior technician, lab manager, or even sales roles. A bachelor's degree opens the door to chemist or research positions but is not required.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of Chemical Technicians will grow 3.7% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 6,700 openings each year, most from workers retiring or moving to other fields.
Demand will be steady in industries like pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental consulting, and petroleum refining. Automation may replace some routine lab tasks, but technicians who can operate complex instruments and interpret data will remain valuable. Geographic flexibility helps—states with large chemical manufacturing bases offer the best opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for a Chemical Technician in 2025?
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $60,390 for Chemical Technicians as of 2024. With typical pay between $41,740 and $92,040, actual earnings depend on experience, industry, and location.
How do I become a Chemical Technician?
Most positions require an associate degree in chemical technology or a related field from a community college. Some entry-level jobs accept a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Voluntary certification, such as the CCT from NICET, can improve your chances.
Is being a Chemical Technician a good career?
Yes—steady demand, a decent median salary, and a clear path to advancement make it a solid choice for those interested in lab work. The job growth rate of 3.7% (about 6,700 openings per year) indicates stable opportunities through 2034.
Which states pay Chemical Technicians the most?
Louisiana tops the list at $85,850, followed by Alaska ($79,380), Delaware ($78,620), South Carolina ($75,020), and Missouri ($68,550). These states have strong chemical or oil industries.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Chemical Technicians data.