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Chemical Engineers

The short answer

This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 28 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.

How much AI could touch this job

More exposedband 4 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a third of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 85% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Design and plan layout of equipment.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Direct activities of workers who operate or are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Materials Engineers

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay37 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$129,426 vs your $132,675 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Chemistry
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Written Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Written Expression
    • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineers, All Other

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay1,540 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$120,894 vs your $132,675 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Engineering and Technology
    • Mathematics
    • Design
    • Physics
    • Written Comprehension

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Materials Scientists

    Similar work
    +2% pay40 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 2% more—$135,427 vs your $132,675 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Engineering and Technology
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Deductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Written Expression
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers

    Similar work
    +35% pay1,869 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 35% more—$178,657 vs your $132,675 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Engineering and Technology
    • Written Comprehension
    • Mathematics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Administrative