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AI exposure Life, physical and social science

Will AI replace geological technicians?

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians. US occupation 19-4043.

22.9%

of the time geological technicians spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of geological technicians' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 104 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 86% of them.Further along than 86% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

Well above the typical job.Ahead of most of the workforce.

What AI already does for geological techniciansWhat geological technicians no longer do alone

O*NET lists 29 tasks for geological technicians. AI use at work shows up in 4 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

  1. Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.Core task mostly automated 1.00
  2. Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. mostly automated 1.00
  3. Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.Core task mostly automated 0.99
  4. Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.Core task mostly automated 0.99

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

25 of the 29 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.Core task
  • Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.Core task
  • Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.Core task
  • Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.Core task
  • Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.Core task
  • Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.Core task
Show the other 19
  • Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.Core task
  • Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.Core task
  • Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
  • Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
  • Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.
  • Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.
  • Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
  • Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
  • Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
  • Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
  • Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.
  • Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.
  • Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
  • Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
  • Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.
  • Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
  • Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
  • Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.
  • Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.

How that compares

Among the 46 life, physical and social science occupations, geological technicians rank 11. The group averages 12.2%, and its most exposed job is Political Scientists at 45.2%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just above in the ranking

  1. 100Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants 23.4%
  2. 102Public Relations Managers 23.2%
  3. 103First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers 23.0%

Just below

  1. 105Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance 22.6%
  2. 106Film and Video Editors 22.3%
  3. 107Financial Specialists, All Other 22.0%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.