SOC 17-2041
Chemical Engineers
Risk Score
⚠️30/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥20,330
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$122K
$79K – $182K
Projected Growth
📈+2.6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖67/100
High exposure
💡 Chemical Engineers face a risk score of 30/100 — 14 points below the national average of 44. With 67/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $122K ($76K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 30/100, Chemical Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic inspection and testing automation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 20,330 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects and novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Chemical Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Robotic inspection and testing automation
Automated structural and systems analysis software
Simulation and digital twin automation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
Safety-critical judgment in design review
On-site problem-solving in variable physical conditions
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 70% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 77% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 55% |