The field for Chemical Laboratory Technicians (CLTs) continues to expand. Nationally, the demand for trained CLTs is growing between 6 to 10% per year. According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), job growth for CLTs is strongest in the areas of Medical, Biotechnology, Environmental and Testing Industries. Most recently the area of Nanotechnology has been recognized as an important and rapidly growing industry utilizing CLTs.
The California Employment Development Department (CEDD) projects 21.6 % growth in positions for Scientific Technicians between 1998 and 2008. The number of jobs in this category was estimated to be 24,100 in 1998. The projected number of jobs projected in 2008 is 29,300. The CEDD is estimating 6,100 openings in 2008 due to separations.
The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also has a category called Science Technicians which includes similar headings. The BLS predicts an increase in overall employment of science technicians though the year 2012. The BLS predicts slower than average growth for chemical technicians in the chemical manufacturing sector, but more plentiful opportunities in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The BLS also predicts faster than average growth for environmental science technicians. The demand for these types of positions will be driven by new product development, consumer demand for product and food safety, and regulatory requirements for environmental protection.
According to the California Employment Development Department (CEDD), the hourly wage in 2001 ranged from $13.08 to 21.83. The lower value is assumed to be for laboratory assistants, which generally required less education and less training. The average hourly wage in California is $17.82, which converts to $37,056 annually. Wages vary depending upon geographic area, job description, industry and specific expertise. The lower areas would be food science technicians and the higher value is for chemical technicians. The average annual salary in 2003 for physical science laboratory technicians was $44,068, according to the BLS.
