Will AI replace chemical technicians?AI replacement risk 52% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$60,390
25th–75th pct. $48,530–$75,900
Top pay (est.)
$119,700
Top 10% $92,040
Pay in 5 years
$70,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$81,000est.
$69,700–$94,100
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
52%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.9%
7,600 openings / yr

Will AI replace Chemical Technicians? AI replacement risk

52%
Moderate
Ranked #546 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Chemical Technicians

Key skills

Critical Thinking
4.1
Science
4.1
Reading Comprehension
4.1
Writing
4.0
Active Listening
3.9
Monitoring
3.9
Quality Control Analysis
3.4
Speaking
3.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Chemistry
4.8
Mathematics
3.6
Computers and Electronics
3.4
Education and Training
3.3
English Language
3.2
Administrative
3.2
Production and Processing
3.1
Engineering and Technology
2.5

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionWritten ExpressionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

High school diploma
33%
Some college
22%

Training before entry

1–3 months
16%
Up to 1 month
14%
None / short demo
13%
3–6 months
13%
1–2 years
12%
2–4 years
6%

Related work experience

1–2 years
34%
6–12 months
23%
2–4 years
17%
None
12%
1–3 months
11%
Up to 1 month
2%
4–6 years
2%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.