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Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 234 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

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

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least 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

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 43% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement.

    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.

  • Nuclear Technicians

    Similar work
    +98% pay751 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 98% more—$133,415 vs your $67,361 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Physics
    • Near Vision
    • Written Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Public Safety and Security