Chemical technicians
SOC Code: 19-4031
Chemical technicians carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $57,790 and +3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 57,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Chemical technicians sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Chemical technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Chemical technicians has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Chemical technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Chemical technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Chemical technicians (SOC 19-4031) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 57,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.7% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $57,790, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Chemical technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
- 2. Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
- 3. Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
- 4. Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
- 5. Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
- 6. Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
- 7. Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
- 8. Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
- 9. Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products.
- 10. Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Operations Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge Areas
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Chemical technicians?
Chemical technicians has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Chemical technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Chemical technicians is projected to grow by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 57,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Chemical technicians?
Key skills for Chemical technicians include Science, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Chemical technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Chemical technicians is $57,790, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Chemical technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Chemical technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Chemical technicians?
Chemical technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).