Colour technologists work for large manufacturing companies, making colourants (dyes and pigments) for a range of products such as clothing, paints, cosmetics and paper. They source new dyes and create suggested colour ranges.

The Work

You could be:

• sourcing and producing new dyes and pigments
• testing dyes for colourfastness and stability under different conditions
• deciding on the best treatment to suit different types of surfaces
• developing processes for accurate bulk production of dyes
• checking each stage of the dyeing process to ensure quality control
• looking at ways of producing environmentally friendly dyes
• choosing suppliers and ordering stock
• providing technical advice to design, production and marketing staff.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates vary depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organization you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries are usually around £17,000 rising with experience to £22,000 and above. Supervisory positions can pay between £30,000 and £35,000.

Conditions

• You would usually work in a laboratory or a factory.
• You would work around 39 hours a week Monday to Friday. You may have to work in shifts and sometimes do overtime.
• The atmosphere may be hot and humid though there will usually be ventilation equipment to deal with fumes.
• You would wear protective clothing.

Useful Subjects

• Chemistry
• Engineering Science
• Fashion and Textile Technology
• Scientific Technologies (SCQF Level 6)
• SfW Laboratory Science

Getting In

• You will normally need a relevant degree. Relevant subjects include analytical chemistry, applied chemistry, applied physics, chemical engineering, chemistry or textile technology.
• For entry to a degree you would require 4-5 Highers. Chemistry may be required.
• You could get in with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Sciences. North East Scotland College offer an HND in Applied Sciences with routes in Biology/Chemistry and Chemistry/Physics.
• For entry to a relevant HND, you would normally require 2 Highers including Chemistry.
• If you want to work with textiles, you might get in at a junior level through a Modern Apprenticeship in Fashion and Textiles Heritage, leading to the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Manufacturing Textile Products at SCQF Level 7.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2025

2182

3.8 %

RISE

2030

2265

  United Kingdom

2025

28747

2.8 %

RISE

2030

29554

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What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• a practical and creative approach
• good colour vision for matching shades
• good communication skills
• an interest in chemistry
• good IT skills.

You need to be able to:

• pay attention to detail
• plan and organise work
• work as part of a team or on your own
• take responsibility.

Training

Once you are in a job, you may be able to do one or more of the courses run by the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC). These are:

• short professional development courses
• courses to take you through the various levels of their expert-led colour education pathway leading to Chartered Colourist (CCol).

You might also continue your professional development through courses offered by the Textile Institute (TI).

Getting On

• Taking SDC or TI courses may help you to move into a supervisory or management position.
• You could move into research and development.
• You might specialise in the manufacture of dyes and pigments.
• You could move into marketing or quality control.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.