Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
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 grow over the next decade, with about 1,132 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the 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
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
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 91% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Perform visual inspections of finished products.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Receive and inspect raw materials.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
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.
Physical Scientists, All Other
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What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Geography
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- Design
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Chemical Technicians
Very similar workslightly less pay355 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$62,603 vs your $65,591 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
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Chemistry
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Chemists
Very similar work+42% pay355 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 42% more—$93,136 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Science
- Physics
- Inductive Reasoning
- Category Flexibility
Industrial Production Managers
Very similar work+102% pay457 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 102% more—$132,662 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Written Expression
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Management of Personnel Resources
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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Similar work+90% pay775 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 90% more—$124,633 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
New skills to build
- Programming
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- Design
Surveyors
Similar work+24% pay239 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 24% more—$81,080 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree, plus internship/residency.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
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Engineers, All Other
Similar work+84% pay1,540 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 84% more—$120,894 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
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Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Similar work+7% pay40 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 7% more—$69,917 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
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New skills to build
- Repairing
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- Installation
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Software Developers
Similar work+160% pay6,726 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 160% more—$170,831 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Programming
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- Operations Analysis
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Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Similar work+22% pay140 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 22% more—$80,340 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Oral Comprehension
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- Deductive Reasoning
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New skills to build
- Mechanical
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- Equipment Maintenance
- Installation
- Extent Flexibility
Computer Occupations, All Other
Similar work+83% pay1,270 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 83% more—$120,267 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
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Industrial Engineers
Similar work+61% pay837 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 61% more—$105,509 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Computers and Electronics
New skills to build
- Design
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Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Somewhat similar work+10% pay264 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 10% more—$72,261 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
- Design
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Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Somewhat similar work+23% pay96 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 23% more—$80,402 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
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- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
New skills to build
- Mechanical
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Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Somewhat similar work+59% pay152 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 59% more—$104,134 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
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- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
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Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Somewhat similar work+46% pay283 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 46% more—$96,026 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
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New skills to build
- Telecommunications
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Aerospace Engineers
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What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
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- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
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Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Somewhat similar work+87% pay140 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 87% more—$122,513 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
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- Technology Design
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Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Somewhat similar work+21% pay1,881 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 21% more—$79,198 vs your $65,591 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
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