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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Protective Servicelowaugment
BLS 2024-34: +8%
Median Wage: $48,210
Employment: 56K

Overall Exposure

17+5

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

28

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

8

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

12

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

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

Overall Exposure

1724
+7

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

2838
+10

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

812
+4

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

1217
+5

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
2023122058actual
20241424610actual
20251728812actual
20261931913estimated
202722351115estimated
202824381217estimated

Task Breakdown

Identify and assess hazardous materials
28%β 0.5
Operate specialized removal equipment
12%β 0
Prepare safety compliance reports
55%β 1
Follow decontamination procedures
15%β 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Hazardous Materials Removal Worker, AI has limited impact on your day-to-day tasks. With an automation risk of 12/100 and overall exposure at 17%, this role faces low transformation. The highest-impact area is prepare safety compliance reports at 55% automation, but hands-on removal and decontamination work remains firmly human-performed. This is classified as an 'augment' role, where AI assists primarily with documentation and hazard identification through sensor data analysis. BLS projects +8% growth through 2034, driven by ongoing environmental remediation demands and aging infrastructure requiring asbestos and lead abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 12%, Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 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 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers is 12% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 17%, with 28% theoretical exposure and 8% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +4 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers are: Prepare safety compliance reports (55%), Identify and assess hazardous materials (28%), Follow decontamination procedures (15%). 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 +8% employment change for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 17%, 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 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 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.