Job prospects Chemical Research Technician in Ontario

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "chemical research technician" in Ontario or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Ontario

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be moderate for Chemical technologists and technicians (NOC 22100) in Ontario for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

• Various industries, but the leading share is in manufacturing, notably chemical manufacturing such as pharmaceutical and medicine, and food production 
• Engineering, and scientific research and development services

 

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

• Steady demand expected as chemical goods are used for a variety of purposes, including in construction and manufacturing
• Public and private sector investments in strengthening the biomanufacturing sector, including pharmaceutical production may create demand for these professionals to conduct and assist with experiments and tests
• Expansions in food manufacturing, and in the large petrochemical and industrial chemical base, particularly in southwestern Ontario

 

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines are common requirements
• Voluntary designations are available through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)

 

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

• The Sarnia region has a strong cluster of petrochemical operations
• The Toronto area is a hub for pharmaceutical and related research activities
• In general, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province.

Here are some key facts about Chemical technologists and technicians in Ontario:

• Approximately 9,550 people work in this occupation.
• Chemical technologists and technicians mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 36%
  • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 11%
  • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 11%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%
  • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 5%
• 77% of chemical technologists and technicians work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
• Less than 5% of chemical technologists and technicians are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 50% compared to 52% for all occupations
  • Women: 50% compared to 48% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 52% compared to 22% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: 18% compared to 24% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 8% compared to 13% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Ontario by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "chemical research technician" Chemical technologists and technicians (NOC 22100) or across Canada.

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