How to become a chemical technologist or technician
Official title: Chemical technologists and technicians
Also called: Food technician, Fuel technician, Chemical analyst, Paint technician, Dyeing technician, Food technologist, Brewery technician, Chemical technician, Chemical technologist, Formulation technician, Geochemical technician, Pilot plant technician
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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. Certification in chemical engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required by employers. Chemical technologists and technicians are regulated in Quebec and Alberta. A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 56% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Physical science technologies/technicians; Chemistry; Industrial production technologies/technicians.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,110 a year The middle half earn $46,878 to $74,100.
- About 26,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 29,900 are projected by 2033. (+13.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a chemical technologist or technician?
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. Certification in chemical engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required by employers. Chemical technologists and technicians are regulated in Quebec and Alberta. A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
How much does a chemical technologist or technician earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,110 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $46,878 to $74,100.
Is a chemical technologist or technician a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2033, from about 26,300 to about 29,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a chemical technologist or technician?
Usually not. Only 23% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03