Chemists
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
How AI Impacts Each Task
13 tasks analyzed
Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
Conduct quality control tests.
Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques. | 51.78Observed | 47.7% | 15% | |
| Conduct quality control tests. | 72Estimated | 78.0% | 15% | |
| Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed. | 15Estimated | 15.0% | 8% | |
| Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests. | 45Estimated | 51.0% | 10% | |
| Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis. | 60.9Observed | 51.4% | 10% | |
| Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 5% | |
| Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 8% | |
| Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 8% | |
| Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests. | 56.73Observed | 37.7% | 6% | |
| Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 6% | |
| Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 5% | |
| Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 2% | |
| Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods. | 59.72Observed | 50.9% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Chemists skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
Pfizer and Lilly back new AI drug discovery startup
Pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Pfizer are investing heavily in a new AI-driven drug discovery startup. The move highlights a massive shift in biotech, where algorithms are increasingly doing the heavy lifting.
Anthropic's Claude AI Shows Potential to Automate Complex Chemistry Tasks
Claude successfully completed specialized Nuclear Magnetic Resonance tasks, proving AI can now handle highly technical scientific analysis previously reserved for trained human chemists.
Incyte's $120M AI Deal Signals Shift in Pharma Jobs
The massive pharmaceutical investment highlights a rapid industry pivot toward automated drug discovery. Traditional research roles may shrink as companies prioritize algorithmic partnerships over conventional lab expansion.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis