SOC 17-2041
Chemical Engineers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ30/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ20,330
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$122K
$79K โ $182K
Projected Growth
๐+2.6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค67/100
High exposure
๐ก Chemical Engineers face a risk score of 30/100 โ 14 points below the national average of 44. With 67/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $122K ($76K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 30/100, Chemical Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic inspection and testing automation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 20,330 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects and novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Chemical Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic inspection and testing automation
Automated structural and systems analysis software
Simulation and digital twin automation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
Safety-critical judgment in design review
On-site problem-solving in variable physical conditions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Computer aided design CAD software
Development environment software
Object or component oriented development software
Graphics or photo imaging software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics
Production and Processing
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 70% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 77% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 55% |