Science · SOC 19-4031
Formula computation and report writing face automation, but bench experiments and direct scientist support remain hands-on.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI tools will assist with formula optimization and result interpretation within a few years, but the hands-on experiment execution and equipment operation in chemistry labs will remain technician work for the foreseeable future.
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$79,120 median pay
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AI job-risk card
Chemical Technicians is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Chemical Technicians is 35/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
35 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Writing technical reports and preparing data charts, Compiling and interpreting lab test results, Preparing chemical solutions per standardized formulas. Harder to automate: Conducting chromatography, spectroscopy, and physical separation, Maintaining and sterilizing lab instruments, Setting up and executing chemical experiments, Direct technical support to scientists and engineers.
Lean into Analytical chemistry techniques, Laboratory safety and compliance, Instrument calibration and maintenance, Scientific data analysis, Process chemistry fundamentals. Consider roles such as Process chemistry technician in manufacturing or Quality control chemist or Laboratory safety officer.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.