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Chemical Technicians Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Chemical Technicians make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$59,510
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.1% vs 2024
$64,570
Mean Salary
$59,510
Median Salary
$28.61
Hourly Rate
6,800 people work as Chemical Technicians in California

Chemical Technicians salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Chemical Technicians salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Chemical Technicians in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $44,070$44,07025th25% earn less than $49,810$49,810MedianHalf earn more than $59,510$59,51075th75% earn less than $73,680$73,68090thTop 10% earn more than $88,900$88,900

Chemical Technicians in California earn a median salary of $59,510 per year ($4,959/month). This is 0.6% below the national average of $59,864. California ranks #23 out of 51 states for Chemical Technicians pay. Approximately 6,800 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 5.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Chemical Technicians

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

Top Skills

Science
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Chemistry
3.81
English Language
3.52
Mathematics
3.39
Computers and Electronics
3.11
Production and Processing
2.97
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (33.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Chemical Technicians in California

Salaries for Chemical Technicians in California range from $44,070 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $88,900 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $49,810 and $73,680.

Median $59,510
P10: $44,070 P25: $49,810 P75: $73,680 P90: $88,900
10th
$44,070
25th
$49,810
Median
$59,510
75th
$73,680
90th
$88,900
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $44,070 $21.19 $3,672
25th Percentile $49,810 $23.95 $4,150
Median (50th) $59,510 $28.61 $4,959
75th Percentile $73,680 $35.42 $6,140
90th Percentile (Experienced) $88,900 $42.74 $7,408

Note: The mean (average) salary of $64,570 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#23
California ranks #23 of 51 states
$59,864
National avg. for Chemical Technicians
-0.6%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:

What does this salary really buy? See Chemical Technicians salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Chemical Technicians take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Chemical Technicians Data in California

Chemical Technicians Salary by State

Compare Chemical Technicians pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Chemical Technicians make in California?
The median annual salary for Chemical Technicians in California is $59,510 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $64,570.
What is the salary range for a Chemical Technicians in California?
Salaries for Chemical Technicians in California range from $44,070 at the 10th percentile to $88,900 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $49,810 and $73,680.
What is the starting salary for a Chemical Technicians in California?
Entry-level Chemical Technicians positions in California typically start around $44,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $49,810 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chemical Technicians in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,800 people are employed as Chemical Technicians in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Chemical Technicians in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chemical Technicians in California is approximately $28.61 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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