Chemical Technicians in Washington
Thinking about a career as a Chemical Technicians in Washington? Here’s what the data says. 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.
What do Chemical Technicians Make in Washington?
The chemical technicians working in Washington, the typical annual salary is $55,940 per year (or about $26.89/hour).Annual wages span from $39,560 at the 10th percentile to $80,320 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,560 | $19.02 |
| 25th percentile | $47,660 | $22.91 |
| Median (50th) | $55,940 | $26.89 |
| 75th percentile | $67,580 | $32.49 |
| 90th percentile | $80,320 | $38.62 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Washington compared to the national average — is 0.69, indicating fewer chemical technicians per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, chemical technicians earn a median of $60,181 per year ($28.93/hour), lower than the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 121,867 chemical technicians nationwide. In Washington alone, approximately 880 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 760 chemical technicians.
Top Washington Metros for Chemical Technicians
The metro areas below employ the most chemical technicians in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 330 | $55,040 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 100 | $62,480 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 80 | $58,820 |
| Bellingham, WA | 60 | $62,030 |
Top States for Chemical Technicians Employment
The table below shows the states where the most chemical technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 6,510 |
| California | 6,480 |
| New Jersey | 3,210 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,050 |
| Ohio | 2,500 |
| New York | 2,350 |
| Michigan | 2,300 |
| Massachusetts | 2,200 |
| Florida | 1,960 |
| Tennessee | 1,740 |
| Illinois | 1,410 |
| Indiana | 1,410 |
| North Carolina | 1,360 |
| South Carolina | 1,300 |
| Alabama | 1,180 |
| Colorado | 1,140 |
| Puerto Rico | 1,070 |
| Virginia | 1,070 |
| Wisconsin | 970 |
| Louisiana | 950 |
Highest-Paying States for Chemical Technicians
These states pay the most for chemical technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $83,480 |
| Delaware | $64,930 |
| Massachusetts | $64,920 |
| Colorado | $64,540 |
| Texas | $64,520 |
| Oklahoma | $63,880 |
| West Virginia | $63,820 |
| Arizona | $63,030 |
| New Mexico | $62,610 |
| Illinois | $61,830 |
Skills
Key chemical technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for chemical technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, chemical technicians typically:
- 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.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Processing Information
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Working with Computers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Getting Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: C++, Linux In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Chemistry
- Physical Science Technicians
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to chemical technicians include:
- Chemical Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Materials Engineers
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Also Known As
Analysis Tester, Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician), Analytical Technician, Assayer, Bleach Analyst, Chemical Analyst, Chemical Analytical Sampler, Chemical Dependency Technician (Chemical Dependency Tech), Chemical Engineering Technician, Chemical Laboratory Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant), Chemical Laboratory Technician (Chemical Lab Technician), Chemical Laboratory Tester (Chemical Lab Tester), Chemical Process Technician (Chemical Process Tech), Chemical Research Worker, Chemical Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-4031.00