Construction · SOC 47-4041
Hazmat removal is tightly regulated, physically hazardous, and site-specific — documentation is the only function AI can touch.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Regulatory requirements for licensed human workers in hazmat abatement are stringent and unlikely to loosen for automation — this role is stable through the 2030s.
Tap a skill to find courses on Coursera.
Some links are affiliate links — if you sign up or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
$60,800 median pay
$49,850 median pay
Construction
$62,740 median pay
$59,110 median pay
$59,310 median pay
AI job-risk card
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 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: Recording container counts and waste disposal documentation, Preparing manifests and hazardous material paperwork. Harder to automate: Building containment areas before abatement begins, Physically removing asbestos and lead using hand tools and vacuums, Loading, transporting, and disposing of hazardous waste containers, Decontaminating equipment and work zones using specialized methods.
Lean into OSHA hazmat safety regulations (29 CFR 1910.120), Asbestos and lead abatement certification, Containment system construction, Hazardous waste manifesting and compliance. Consider roles such as Environmental health and safety officer or Hazmat project supervisor or Environmental remediation project manager.
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.