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Chemical Laboratory Technicians

Chemical laboratory technicians play a crucial role in the scientific community, contributing to groundbreaking research and the development of innovative products that impact various industries, from pharmaceuticals to environmental science. Their expertise ensures that chemical processes are safe, efficient, and effective, making them indispensable in advancing technology and improving quality of life globally.

Chemical Laboratory Technicians

19

Physical Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO19%moving to64%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £28,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Chemical Laboratory TechnicianAs a Junior Chemical Laboratory Technician, you will assist in basic laboratory tasks, including sample preparation and routine testing. This entry-level position is ideal for recent graduates or those with relevant vocational training.£22,000 - £28,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Chemical Laboratory TechnicianIn a mid-level role, you will take on more complex tasks, including conducting independent experiments and analysing data. You will also mentor junior technicians and contribute to project planning.£30,000 - £40,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Chemical Laboratory TechnicianAs a Senior Chemical Laboratory Technician, you will lead projects, oversee laboratory operations, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Your expertise will be crucial in driving innovation and improving laboratory efficiency.£50,000+
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

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AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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