Overview
Chemical technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental protection. They are employed by research and development and quality control laboratories, consulting engineering companies, in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries, and by utilities, health, educational and government establishments.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Chemical technologists
Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests and analyses using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques and microscopy
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas or liquid, reagents, and sample formulations
Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
Develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
Assist in the development of chemical engineering processes, studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance and the development of standards, procedures and health and safety measures
Operate experimental chemical or petrochemical pilot plants
Conduct or assist in air and water quality testing and assessments, environmental monitoring and protection activities, and development of and compliance with standards
Assist in synthesis of small molecules for the purpose of creating drug candidates
Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.
Chemical technicians
Assist in setting up and conducting chemical experiments, tests and analyses
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
Compile records for analytical studies
Assist in developing and conducting programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards
Carry out a limited range of other technical functions in support of chemical research, tests and analyses, and environmental air and water quality monitoring and protection
Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$38,584
$43,798
$68,178
Job openings
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British Columbia
183expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Chemical technologists usually require completion of a two- or three-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology or a closely related discipline.
Chemical technicians usually require completion of a one- or two-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology.
National certification for chemical technologists and technicians is available through the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology.
Additional information
Considerable mobility is possible among jobs within this occupational group.
Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.
Some chemical technologists and technicians working in support of fundamental research in chemistry or biochemistry are university graduates.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Chemical technologists and technicians in B.C.
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Chemical Technologists and Technicians
- Membership with the Chemical Institute of Canada
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Chemical Technologists and Technicians
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as a chemical technologist or technician in B.C., you may choose to register with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an accredited diploma program and 24 months of progressive work experience, 12 of which must be at the technologist profile or higher in a Canadian work environment.
Visit websiteMembership with the Chemical Institute of Canada
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a chemical technologist or technician in B.C., you may choose to become a member with the Chemical Institute of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through completion of a recognized program and industry work experience.
Visit websitePost-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.