Chemistry Technician
Key facts
Chemistry technicians monitor chemical processes and conduct tests to analyse chemical substances for manufacturing or scientific purposes. They work in laboratories or production facilities where they assist chemists in their work. Chemistry technicians perform laboratory activities, test chemical substances, analyse data and report about their work.
Chemistry technicians play a vital role in various industries, from pharmaceuticals and manufacturing to environmental science and research. Your days will involve carefully monitoring chemical processes, conducting precise tests on substances, and meticulously analyzing data to ensure quality and accuracy. You'll work closely with chemists, assisting them in their research and production activities, and documenting your findings with clear and concise reports. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to safety protocols.
- • Performing laboratory tests and experiments according to established procedures.
- • Monitoring chemical processes and equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- • Analyzing data from tests and experiments, identifying trends, and reporting results.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and 1 more.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
What these words mean
The four things this section reports
- Reported demand
- Whether employers report needing people in this job — a judgement published by a national or EU body, not a count.
- Where it is heading
- Which way employment in this job is expected to move over the coming years, from an official projection.
- Openings
- Roughly how many openings arise — from growth and from people leaving the job.
- Typical pay
- What people in this job typically earn where the source publishes it. Blank does not mean unpaid; it means nobody publishes it for that place.
A measure is left out when nobody publishes it for that place, rather than shown as zero.
Which way the market leans for you
- In your favour
- More openings than people looking — employers are competing for candidates.
- Balanced
- Openings and candidates are roughly matched.
- Competitive
- More people looking than openings — expect to compete.
- Mixed evidence
- Sources disagree, or the same occupation group is short in one part and oversupplied in another.
Every source resolves to one of these four, so there is a single vocabulary to learn. What differs is the evidence behind it, which is printed underneath each verdict — a measured ratio of openings to jobseekers, or an assessment published by a national body.
How this job compares with other jobs in the same country
- Strong
- Among the strongest in that country
- Good
- Stronger than most jobs in that country
- Mixed
- About typical for that country
- Weak
- Weaker than most jobs in that country
This is a rank within one country, not a score you can carry across borders — the registers behind two countries count different people, so the same number means different things in each. It is also why a job can be among the strongest in a country and still show as Competitive: it leads the field in a market that is crowded overall.
Where these come from
Every figure is published by a national statistics office, a public employment service or an EU body, and each card names its source and the period it covers. Some places are counted monthly, others assessed once or twice a year, so two places on the same map can be describing different moments — the date is always shown.
None of this predicts one person's chances. It describes a market.
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Could chemistry technician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for chemistry technician
The outlook for chemistry technician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could chemistry technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- regulate chemical reaction
- assist scientific research
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse chemical substances
- manage chemical processes inspection
- test chemical samples
Tasks most exposed to automation
- process data
- write work-related reports
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Agriculture
A typical day as a chemistry technician
09 09:00 · Morning analyse chemical substances
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply safety procedures in laboratory
12 12:00 · Midday regulate chemical reaction
14 14:00 · Afternoon transfer chemicals
15 15:30 · Late afternoon assist scientific research
17 17:00 · Wrap-up contact scientists
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
What you need to do this work
The skills, knowledge and tools this role calls for — and the traits and rewards that come with it.
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perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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perform chemical experiments
Perform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.
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use chemical analysis equipment
Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.
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handle chemicals
Safely handle industrial chemicals; use them efficiently and ensure that no harm is done to the environment.
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transfer chemicals
Transfer the chemical mixture from the mixing tank to the storage tank by turning on the valves.
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mix chemicals
Mix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.
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work with chemicals
Handle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.
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analyse chemical substances
Study and test chemical sustances to analyse their composition and characteristics.
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test chemical samples
Perform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. Chemical sample testing involves operations such as pipetting or diluting schemes.
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manage chemical processes inspection
Manage the chemical in-process inspection, making sure the inspection results are documented, the inspection procedures are well written and the checklists are updated.
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manage chemical testing procedures
Manage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.
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maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
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contact scientists
Listen, reply, and establish a fluid communication relationship with scientists in order to extrapolate their findings and information into a varied array of applications including business and industry.
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improve chemical processes
Collect data required to make improvements or modifications to chemical processes. Develop new industrial processes, design new process plants/equipment or modify existing ones.
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apply safety procedures in laboratory
Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
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write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
chemical processes
The relevant chemical processes used in manufacture, such as purification, seperation, emulgation and dispergation processing.
chemical products
The offered chemical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
green chemistry
The process of creating chemical products that diminish or cancel the negative impact on the environment caused by the use of hazardous substances. It follows all the phases of chemical product generation from the design to the manufacturing and its disposal.
computational chemistry
The branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations.
gel permeation chromatography
Polymer analysis technique which separates the analytes on the basis of their weight.
high-performance liquid chromatography
Analytic chemistry technique used to identify and quantify the components of a mixture.
mass spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is the analytical technique that makes use of the measurements performed at gas-phase ions and the ratio mass-to-charge.
radiological procedures
The radiological procedures with digital imaging and other imaging techniques.
radiology
Radiology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
- basic chemicals
- health and safety regulations
- laboratory techniques
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Scan to continue on mobilePath to become a chemistry technician
What it typically takes to qualify: education level, where it is a regulated profession, and where to study.
Short-cycle tertiary education
Real programmes leading to this occupation, by country.
Certificate in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Process Operations
Chemielaborant/in
Chemisch-Technische/r Assistent/in (CTA) - 3jährige Ausbildung
Chemisch-Technische/r Assistent/in (CTA) - 2jährige Ausbildung
Master Degree project, Sustainable Process & Chemical Engineering, specialization Minerals & Metallurgical Engineering
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Growth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does chemistry technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education or background is typically needed to become a chemistry technician?
- Most chemistry technician positions require an associate’s degree or a vocational certificate in chemistry, laboratory technology, or a related field. A strong foundation in basic chemistry principles is essential, and some employers may prefer candidates with relevant work experience or internships.
- Are there specific safety precautions I need to be aware of as a chemistry technician?
- Absolutely. Safety is paramount. You'll be expected to adhere strictly to laboratory safety protocols, including proper handling of chemicals, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles, and awareness of emergency procedures. Training in safety practices is often provided.
- What industries commonly hire chemistry technicians?
- Chemistry technicians are in demand across a wide range of sectors. Common employers include pharmaceutical companies, chemical manufacturing plants, environmental testing labs, food and beverage production facilities, research institutions, and government agencies.
- Is there a shortage of Chemistry Technician in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 10 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 5 reported a shortage and 5 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- How much does Chemistry Technician pay in the United States?
- $57,790 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $37,510 to $85,850. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.
Sources: ESCO O*NET ELA/EURES Cedefop BLS Data updated September 20, 2026 About our data