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AI exposure Life, physical and social science

Will AI replace life?

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other. US occupation 19-4099.

9.6%

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

Ranked 189 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 74% of them.Further along than 74% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

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

What AI already does for lifeWhat life no longer do alone

O*NET lists 47 tasks for life. 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. Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.Core task mostly automated 1.00
  2. Document methods used and write technical reports containing information collected. mostly automated 0.97
  3. Develop specialized computer software routines to customize and integrate image analysis. mostly automated 0.97
  4. Prepare documentation or presentations, including charts, photos, or graphs.Core task automated and assisted 0.79

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

43 of the 47 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Adjust remotely sensed images for optimum presentation by using software to select image displays, define image set categories, or choose processing routines.Core task
  • Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.Core task
  • Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.Core task
  • Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.Core task
  • Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.Core task
  • Consult with remote sensing scientists, surveyors, cartographers, or engineers to determine project needs.Core task
Show the other 37
  • Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.Core task
  • Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.Core task
  • Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.Core task
  • Identify quality problems and recommend solutions.Core task
  • Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.Core task
  • Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.Core task
  • Investigate or report questionable test results.Core task
  • Manipulate raw data to enhance interpretation, either on the ground or during remote sensing flights.Core task
  • Merge scanned images or build photo mosaics of large areas, using image processing software.Core task
  • Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols.Core task
  • Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.Core task
  • Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.Core task
  • Participate in the planning or development of mapping projects.Core task
  • Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines.Core task
  • Perform visual inspections of finished products.Core task
  • Receive and inspect raw materials.Core task
  • Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors.Core task
  • Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions.Core task
  • Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays.Core task
  • Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.Core task
  • Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures.Core task
  • Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.Core task
  • Calibrate data collection equipment.
  • Collaborate with agricultural workers to apply remote sensing information to efforts to reduce negative environmental impacts of farming practices.
  • Collect remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities involved in assessing the impact of environmental change.
  • Collect verification data on the ground, using equipment such as global positioning receivers, digital cameras, or notebook computers.
  • Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors.
  • Correct raw data for errors due to factors such as skew or atmospheric variation.
  • Develop and qualify new testing methods.
  • Develop or maintain geospatial information databases.
  • Evaluate new technologies and methods to make recommendations regarding their use.
  • Evaluate remote sensing project requirements to determine the types of equipment or computer software necessary to meet project requirements, such as specific image types or output resolutions.
  • Maintain records of survey data.
  • Monitor raw data quality during collection, and make equipment corrections as necessary.
  • Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports.
  • Provide remote sensing data for use in addressing environmental issues, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection.
  • Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

How that compares

Among the 46 life, physical and social science occupations, life rank 19. 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. 185Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 9.9%
  2. 187Library Assistants, Clerical 9.8%
  3. 188Microbiologists 9.7%

Just below

  1. 192Nurse Practitioners 9.4%
  2. 193Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks 9.3%
  3. 193Veterinarians 9.3%

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.