Chemical Technicians

Analytical Laboratory Technician (Analytical Lab Technician)

Chemical Analyst

Chemical Technician

Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst)

Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)

Laboratory Tester (Lab Tester)

Organic Preparation Analyst (Organic Prep Analyst)

Quality Control Laboratory Technician (QC Lab Tech)

Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)

Research Technician

What is a Chemical Technician?

A chemical technician is a professional who plays a crucial role in the development and testing of chemical products and processes. They work under the supervision of chemists or chemical engineers, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and assisting in the production of chemical materials. Chemical technicians are employed in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, materials science, and environmental testing. Their responsibilities often involve preparing and conducting laboratory tests, collecting data, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. With a strong foundation in chemistry and laboratory practices, chemical technicians contribute significantly to research and development, quality control, and process optimization efforts within their organizations.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$38240.0 - $93340.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

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.

Technology Skills

Data base user interface and query software
Presentation software
- PowerPoint 365
Object or component oriented development software
- C++20
- Java SE 21
- Python 3.12
- R 4.3
Spreadsheet software
- Excel 365
Electronic mail software
- Cloud-based Email Services
- Outlook 365

Tools Used

Knowledge

Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

5 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R27,403pm

How to know if you are ready for a career as a Chemical Technician in South Africa

The South African industrial landscape—stretching from the petrochemical hubs of Sasolburg to the pharmaceutical labs of Gauteng—is currently in need of precision-driven professionals. With 2 active jobs currently available and an average salary of R27,403pm, the demand for skilled Chemical Technicians is robust. Notably, the industry has seen a steady upward trend in compensation throughout 2024, with average monthly earnings rising from R24,115 in January to over R30,144 by December. If you are considering entering this vital field, evaluating your personal alignment with the role is your first step toward success.

Is a Career as a Chemical Technician Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Success in a laboratory or industrial plant requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands a specific temperament. Use this checklist to see if you possess the core traits of a professional technician:

Obsessive Attention to Detail: Do you notice the smallest deviations in data or physical samples? In chemistry, a milligram can be the difference between a breakthrough and a hazard.
A "Safety-First" Instinct: Are you someone who naturally follows protocols and prioritises Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) above shortcuts?
Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy the process of troubleshooting why a reaction didn't go as planned or why a piece of equipment is malfunctioning?
Methodical Organisation: Can you maintain a meticulously organised workspace and document your findings with absolute clarity?
Resilience and Patience: Are you comfortable with repetitive testing and long-term projects that require consistent focus over many hours?

A Day in the Life of a South African Chemical Technician

In the South African context, your day typically begins early, often within a laboratory attached to a manufacturing plant or a specialised research facility. After donning your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you will likely start by calibrating sensitive instrumentation such as HPLC or GC systems to ensure they meet SABS standards.

Your morning might involve collecting samples from a production line—perhaps testing the purity of a new batch of fertilisers or monitoring the chemical balance in a water treatment facility. You aren't just "mixing chemicals"; you are the guardian of quality. You will spend a significant portion of your afternoon interpreting data, writing technical reports, and collaborating with Chemical Engineers to optimise production processes. It is a role that balances physical lab work with critical cognitive analysis, all while ensuring that the facility remains compliant with environmental regulations.

Education & Upskilling: Building Your Foundation

To enter this field in South Africa, a solid educational foundation is non-negotiable. Most employers look for a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or a BTech in Analytical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering from a reputable University of Technology or a TVET College.

Formal Qualifications: Focus on programmes accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). These provide the necessary theoretical grounding in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
Short Courses & Certifications: To stand out, consider specialised certifications in ISO 17025 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) or NOSA safety training.
The Necessity of Continuous Learning: The chemical industry evolves rapidly with new green technologies and automated systems. To remain competitive and move toward the higher end of the salary bracket, you must treat learning as a lifelong commitment. Attending workshops on new laboratory software or advanced instrumentation techniques is essential for career progression.

Next Steps

The data shows a clear growth path for those with the right skills and mindset. If you have the discipline to master the science and the focus to maintain rigorous safety standards, you are likely ready to take the next step. Don't leave your career to chance; validate your instincts and professional alignment. Test your readiness now by completing our specialised Chemical Technician Career Assessment.

Skills

Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Abilities

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

0 %
High school diploma or equivalent

0 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Some college, no degree

0 %

Work Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Detailed Work Activities

Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
Clean objects.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.