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Chemical Technologists and Technicians
What they do?
Chemical technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.
Chemical technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Assist in setting up and conducting chemical experiments, tests and analyses
B. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
C. Compile records for analytical studies
D. Assist in developing and conducting programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards
E. 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
F. Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus.
G. Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests and analyses using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques and microscopy
H. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas or liquid, reagents, and sample formulations
I. Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
J. Develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
K. 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
L. Operate experimental chemical or petrochemical pilot plants
M. Conduct or assist in air and water quality testing and assessments, environmental monitoring and protection activities, and development of and compliance with standards
N. Assist in synthesis of small molecules for the purpose of creating drug candidates.
Where they find work?
1. Chemical manufacturing - 20.0%
2. Architectural engineering and related services - 9.0%
3. Food manufacturing - 9.0%
4. Public administration - 8.0%
5. Scientific research and development services - 8.0%
6. Educational services - 7.0%
What education do I need?
1. To be a chemical technologist, you usually need a two- to three-year college diploma.
2. To be a chemical technician, you usually need a one- to two-year program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology, or in a closely related field.
3. You often need certification by a professional organization in your field, which is usually obtained after a two-year supervised work period.
4. You may obtain national certification for chemical technologists/technicians through the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology.
5. In Quebec, you must be a member in l'Ordre des technologues professionnels to use the title of Professional Technologist.
6. There is considerable mobility among jobs within this occupational group and with experience, you may move up the ranks to be come a manager.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Computer-related courses
4. Chemistry
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Chemical Technologists and Technicians is $21.05/HR, which is below 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 above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
4% of Chemical Technologists and Technicians 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 Chemical Technologists and Technicians is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at a below-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($21.05) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is above average.
3. The unemployment rate (4%) 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; however, job opportunities should depend primarily on the prosperity of rubber, plastics, and chemical products industries which is, in turn, strongly affected by the ups-and-downs of foreign markets.
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 Chemical Technologists and Technicians are found in Alberta and Quebec while the lowest concentrations are in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (32%) 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 Chemical Technologists and Technicians are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 21,000 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 63% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively high percentage of younger workers suggests more entry-level positions and jobs that may serve as stepping stones in a career. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average influenced by a similar-to-average age of workers (37).
