Hazardous materials removal workers
SOC Code: 47-4041
Hazardous materials removal workers carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $48,490 and +1.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 51,300 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
Hazardous materials removal workers (SOC 47-4041) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, 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 51,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $48,490, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, 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 Hazardous materials removal workers. 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. Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
- 2. Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
- 3. Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
- 4. Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
- 5. Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
- 6. Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.
- 7. Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.
- 8. Operate cranes to move or load baskets, casks, or canisters.
- 9. Drive trucks or other heavy equipment to convey contaminated waste to designated sea or ground locations.
- 10. Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Hazardous materials removal workers?
Hazardous materials removal workers has an AI exposure score of 36%, 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 Hazardous materials removal workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Hazardous materials removal workers is projected to grow by 1.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 51,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Hazardous materials removal workers?
Key skills for Hazardous materials removal workers include Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Operation and Control, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Hazardous materials removal workers earn?
The median annual wage for Hazardous materials removal workers is $48,490, 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 Hazardous materials removal workers?
The typical entry-level education for Hazardous materials removal workers is High school diploma or equivalent. 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 Hazardous materials removal workers?
Hazardous materials removal workers 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).