If you're a science junkie who loves the idea of doing hands-on work in a lab, you might want to look into a chemical technician career. Whether you're studying ingredients to make ice cream even creamier, trying to develop shampoo that won't sting babies' eyes, or testing public water samples for pollution, the work you do will be crucial in helping science move forward. This job is basically a lifelong science class with a paycheck: Along with performing experiments, you'll be expected to set up lab equipment, interpret results, and present findings to your coworkers and bosses. Whether you choose to pursue a bachelor's or an associate's degree, it's important to find a program that offers on-the-job training along with classroom time. That's because even at the entry level you'll be expected to know your way around a lab through previous work experience (like an internship).