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Environmental Scientists

Life, Physical & Social Sciencesmediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +6%
Median Wage: $78,980
Employment: 87K

Overall Exposure

46+11

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

68

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

30

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

26

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

46→62
+16

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

68→78
+10

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

30→50
+20

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

26→36
+10

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202335601418actual
202440642222actual
202546683026actual
202652723830estimated
202757754433estimated
202862785036estimated

Task Breakdown

Analyze environmental data
40%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Environmental Scientists, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 26/100 and overall exposure at 46%, this role faces moderate transformation. The highest-impact area is analyze environmental data at 40% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +6% growth through 2034. Professionals who embrace AI tools will see their capabilities significantly amplified.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 26%, Environmental Scientists has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Environmental Scientists is 26% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 46%, with 68% theoretical exposure and 30% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +8 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Environmental Scientists are: Analyze environmental data (40%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +6% employment change for Environmental Scientists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 46%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Environmental Scientists should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.