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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

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 401 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

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

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

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

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the 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 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 14% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Record numbers of containers stored at disposal sites, specifying amounts or types of equipment or waste disposed.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Organize or track the locations of hazardous items in landfills.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Sort specialized hazardous waste at landfills or disposal centers, following proper disposal procedures.

    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.

  • Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

    Similar work
    +11% pay1,580 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 11% more—$83,178 vs your $75,073 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Control Precision
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Mechanical
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Operation and Control
    • Depth Perception