Chemists
SOC Code: 19-2031
Chemists carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $84,150 and +4.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 86,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Chemists (SOC 19-2031) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, 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 86,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.9% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $84,150, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor'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 Chemists. 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. Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- 2. Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- 3. Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- 4. Conduct quality control tests.
- 5. Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- 6. Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- 7. Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- 8. Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
- 9. Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
- 10. Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
Key Skills Required
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Chemists?
Chemists has an AI exposure score of 31%, 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 Chemists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Chemists is projected to grow by 4.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 86,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Chemists?
Key skills for Chemists include Science, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Chemists earn?
The median annual wage for Chemists is $84,150, 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 Chemists?
The typical entry-level education for Chemists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Chemists?
Chemists 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.
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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).