Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Machines can already do 31% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 70%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 31% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 70% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 75,570 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $66,120 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 72% for contact with people.
- Also called: Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician), Nanofabrication Specialist, Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech).
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operate nanotechnology compounding, testing, processing, or production equipment in accordance with appropriate standard operating procedures, good manufacturing practices, hazardous material restrictions, or health and safety requirements | 15% | 30% to 75% | |
| Produce images or measurements, using tools or techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, particle size analysis, or zeta potential analysis | 11% | 30% to 75% | |
| Collect or compile nanotechnology research or engineering data | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction | 5% | 70% to 95% | |
| Maintain work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Collaborate with scientists or engineers to design or conduct experiments for the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Monitor equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow | 5% | 40% to 80% | |
| Measure or mix chemicals or compounds in accordance with detailed instructions or formulas | 5% | 30% to 75% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects68% of tasks by 2035 · US median $112,230
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists59% of tasks by 2035
- Nuclear Technicians62% of tasks by 2035 · US median $110,240
- Biochemists and Biophysicists63% of tasks by 2035 · US median $127,410
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians?
Machines can do 31% of the tasks of nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians today and 70% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 17-3026.01 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/nanotechnology-engineering-technologists-and-technicians/