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Technical Occupations in Physical Sciences
What they do?
Chemical technologists and technicians conduct laboratory tests, sampling programs, studies, and other activities in chemical engineering, chemical/biochemical research, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control, and environmental monitoring.
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians conduct or participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic/oceanographic surveys; prospecting field trips; exploratory well drilling; and they keep logs of wells and underground mine s
Where they find work?
1. Chemical manufacturing - 14.0%
2. Architectural engineering and related services - 12.0%
3. Public administration - 8.0%
4. Food manufacturing - 7.0%
5. Educational services - 6.0%
6. Scientific research and development services - 6.0%
7. Oil and gas extraction - 5.0%
What education do I need?
1. In general, you need a college or technical institute diploma. You may also need certification by a professional organization in your field, which is usually obtained after a two-year supervised work period.
2. To be a chemical technologist or technician, you usually need a college or technical school diploma in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology or in a closely related field. National certification for chemical technologists/technicians is available through the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology.
3. To be a geological and mineral technologist or technician, you usually need a college or technical institute diploma in geological, petroleum, mining, mining engineering, hydrogeology or ground water, mineralogy, metallurgical or welding technologies.
4. To be a geophysics technologist, you may need a college or technical institute diploma in geophysics, petroleum or electronics technology.
5. Many recent entrants have a community college diploma and almost 2 in 5 have a undergraduate university degree.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Sciences
4. Computer-related courses
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Technical Occupations in Physical Sciences is $21.72/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the natural and applied sciences and related occupations and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
5% of Technical Occupations in Physical Sciences are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Technical Occupations in Physical Sciences is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at a below-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($21.72) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to average.
3. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Technical Occupations in Physical Sciences are found in Alberta and Quebec while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and British Columbia.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (29%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Team project work
2. Proposal writing
3. Presenting
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
5% of Technical Occupations in Physical Sciences are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 35,100 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 40% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average influenced by a similar-to-average age of workers (37).
