Chemical Technicians in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,620 | $57,790 | -2.0% vs US |
| State Rank | #21 of 51 states | ||
| Employment | 6,480 jobs | 55,640 jobs | 11.6% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,350 | $19.40 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,440 | $22.81 |
| Median | $56,620 | $27.22 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,410 | $33.85 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,990 | $42.78 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Chemical Technicians in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $56,620 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +28.3%, chemical technicians are still in strong and growing demand.
How can chemical technicians increase their salary in California?
Chemical Technicians in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #21 out of 51 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Chemical Technicians in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Electric Power Generation | $118,820 |
| Nuclear Electric Power Generation | $118,820 |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $102,690 |
How are Chemical Technicians paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Chemical Technicians in California is $56,620, which is 2.0% below the national median of $57,790.