Chemical Technicians

Job opportunities for chemical technicians are expected to about as fast as the average for all careers through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The American Chemistry Council foresees positive prospects for the U.S. chemistry industry in the coming years, with a resurgence in chemicals manufacturing, due to initiatives for clean energy, infrastructure, and a strong domestic manufacturing base. Chemical technicians will be needed by businesses that provide environmental services (pollution control, clean energy, sustainability, and "earth-friendly" products), analytical development and services, custom or niche products and services, and quality control.

Chemical technicians will continue to be in demand in scientific research and development (R&D) and to monitor the quality of chemical products and processes. However, many chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers are expected to outsource their scientific R&D and testing operations. Despite this outsourcing, some chemical manufacturing is expected to return to the United States as a result of cheaper energy and raw materials such as shale gas. This should offset, to some extent, declines in demand for these workers in most chemical manufacturing industries over the next decade.