Chemical Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2211)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyChemical 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 work for 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 organizations.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Chemical Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 50% of Chemical Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $48,849. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.42
Minimum$22.92
Median$39.20
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,304
Minimum$39,384
Median$73,351
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 work for 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 organizations.
Job duties
Chemical technologists:
- Set up and run chemical experiments, tests and analyses using techniques like chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques, and microscopy.
- Use 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 run programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, and products.
- Help develop chemical engineering processes, studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance and the development of standards, procedures and health and safety measures.
- Use experimental chemical or petrochemical pilot plants.
- Conduct or help in air and water quality testing and assessments, environmental monitoring and protection activities, and development of and compliance with standards.
- Help in synthesis of small molecules for the purpose of creating drug candidates.
- Help design and make experimental apparatus.
Chemical technicians:
- Help set up and run chemical experiments, tests, and analyses.
- Use and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus and prepare solutions of gas and liquid, reagents, and sample formulations.
- Compile records for analytical studies.
- Help develop and run programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards.
- 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.
- Help design and make experimental apparatus.
Sample job titles
- biochemistry technologist
- chemical analyst
- chemical engineering technologist
- chemical process analyst
- chemical research technologist
- chemical technician
- food technician
- geochemical technician
- pharmaceuticals inspector
- quality control technician
Skills
The skills and aptitudes for these jobs are as varied as the entrance requirements. You should be interested in science and technology and be able to work with detailed processes, machines, and techniques. Familiarity with computers is necessary for some positions. An aptitude for mathematics and the sciences at the high school level is important. Some of these jobs involve exposure to heat, noise, vibration, fumes, and dust, while other jobs are in a relatively clean laboratory environment.
Job requirements
- 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.
- A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Other considerations
Considerable movement is possible among jobs within this occupational group. Movement to managerial positions is possible with experience. Some chemical technologists and technicians working in support of fundamental research in chemistry or biochemistry are university graduates.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Manufacturing
Public administration
Educational services
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
15-24
45-54
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$46,413 median annual incomeBachelor
$46,350 median annual incomeHigh school
$26,315 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$33,873 median annual incomeApprenticeship
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Biochemistry
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems, their fundamental chemical substances and reactions, and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They include courses in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
Institutions providing this program
Biophysics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on applying physics principles to the scientific study of the mechanisms of biological processes and assemblies at all levels of complexity. They include courses in research methods and equipment operation and applications to subjects such as bioenergetics, biophysical theory and modelling, electrophysics, membrane biology, channels, receptors and transporters, contractility and muscle function, protein shaping and folding, molecular and supramolecular structures and assemblies, and computational science.
Institutions providing this program
Forensic Science and Technology
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on applying the physical, biomedical, and social sciences to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony and criminal suspects. They include courses in forensic medicine, forensic dentistry, anthropology, psychology, pathology, forensic laboratory technology, crime scene analysis, fingerprint technology, document analysis, pattern analysis, examination procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.