How long does it take to become a chemical technician?

Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do chemical technicians make?

The US median is $60,390 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a chemical technician?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a chemical technician?

1,231 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a chemical technician

Science · SOC 19-4031

$60,390US median pay, 2025

+4.9%Projected growth, 2025–35

7,600Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Associate's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a chemical technician

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Chemistry, General	CIP 40.0501	1,176
Chemical Technology/Technician	CIP 41.0301	61
Chemical Process Technology	CIP 41.0303	8
Analytical Chemistry	CIP 40.0502	7
Environmental Chemistry	CIP 40.0509	6
Organic Chemistry	CIP 40.0504	2
Inorganic Chemistry	CIP 40.0503	1

See the 1,231 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a chemical technician?: Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do chemical technicians make?: The US median is $60,390 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a chemical technician?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a chemical technician?: 1,231 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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