How to become a Chemical Technician

Performs laboratory tests on organic and inorganic chemicals, analyses test data, and carries out technical functions in support of Chemists or Chemical Engineers in a wide variety of areas, such as fuels, agricultural products, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, metals, plastics, textiles, detergents, paper, fertilisers and cosmetics.

Main tasks

• Assists in setting up and conducting chemical experiments, tests and analysis on organic and inorganic chemicals according to existing procedures
• Assists in the fabrication, installation and modification of chemistry equipment to ensure it meets standards
• Collects samples from production batches, and tests them for impurities and defects
• Sets up and maintains chemistry laboratory equipment, instruments and inventory
• Assists in monitoring the quality of products and processes at chemical manufacturing facilities to ensure they meet standards and specifications
• Undertakes a limited range of technical activities to support chemical research

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• University: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122); Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122); Diploma of Process Plant Technology (PMA50116); Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management (MSL60122); Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122); Certificate III in Process Plant Operations (PMA30120); Certificate III in Wine Industry Operations (FBP30921); Certificate IV in Food Processing (FBP40321)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $93,288 a year
• About 22,400 people work in this job group now, and about 24,400 are projected by 2035. (+8.6%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Life Science Technician
• Earth Science Technician
• Geospatial Technician
• Hydrographer
• School Laboratory Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Chemical Technician?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Health & Public Health degrees; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

How much does a Chemical Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $93,288 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Chemical Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 22,400 to about 24,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Chemical Technician?

Not always. 51% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Science degrees; Health & Public Health degrees; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Chemical Technician?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04