AI JOB RISK SCANNER
O*NET-SOC 37-3012.00 / model V11 rated-task engine

Will AI replace
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation?

Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.

Estimated AI task exposure
21%

Low-Moderate exposure

V11 weights occupation tasks using O*NET Importance, Relevance and Frequency ratings instead of treating every task equally.

12 tasks have usable Task Rating records; weighted-task coverage is 100%.

Digital/info work

32/100

Physical moat

61/100

Human moat

11/100

Rating coverage

100%

12 task statements / 12 rated

Highest-weighted occupation tasks

Record information about pesticide applications, such as the type used and amount applied.
Importance 94/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 85/100Weight 0.94
Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
Importance 94/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 71/100Weight 0.91
Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
Importance 80/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 76/100Weight 0.87
Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
Importance 87/100Relevance 90/100Frequency 71/100Weight 0.84
Establish driving routes for pesticide applications.
Importance 76/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 70/100Weight 0.83
Start motors and engage machinery, such as sprayer agitators or pumps or portable spray equipment.
Importance 82/100Relevance 85/100Frequency 77/100Weight 0.82
Connect hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities.
Importance 72/100Relevance 94/100Frequency 62/100Weight 0.78
Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.
Importance 71/100Relevance 89/100Frequency 64/100Weight 0.76
Clean or service machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, or hand tools.
Importance 74/100Relevance 95/100Frequency 42/100Weight 0.74
Identify lawn or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Importance 80/100Relevance 65/100Frequency 69/100Weight 0.71

Task weighting

Each rated task receives a composite weight: 38% relevance, 37% importance and 25% frequency. Core tasks receive a small additional multiplier. Low-precision rows flagged by O*NET for suppression are excluded.

Occupation scoring

When rating coverage is strong, rated tasks contribute 60% of the digital, physical and human task signals and Work Activities contribute 40%. Lower-coverage occupations automatically rely more on Work Activities.

U.S. labor market

BLS Wage & Employment Outlook

Median annual wage

$46,340

BLS OEWS May 2025

National employment

27,050

BLS OEWS May 2025

Projected growth

+3.9%

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

Average annual openings

3

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

BLS labor-market figures are separate from the site's AI-exposure model. Missing values mean a compatible detailed BLS occupation estimate was not published or could not be mapped.

Career pivot radar

Safer Career Alternatives

These options are selected from the same 923-occupation model. They favor a similar task/work profile with meaningfully lower estimated AI exposure. They are suggestions for exploration, not guarantees of job fit.

SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Helpers--Extraction Workers

5%

16 points lower exposure • 89% profile similarity

Median wage: $47,730 Growth 2025–2035: +1.7% Annual openings: 1

stronger human/judgment moat, more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

5%

16 points lower exposure • 90% profile similarity

Median wage: $65,510 Growth 2025–2035: +6.7% Annual openings: 15

more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

5%

16 points lower exposure • 91% profile similarity

Median wage: $84,890 Growth 2025–2035: +5.4% Annual openings: 0

more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

5%

16 points lower exposure • 91% profile similarity

Median wage: $57,550 Growth 2025–2035: +4.9% Annual openings: 3

more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

5%

16 points lower exposure • 88% profile similarity

Median wage: $56,210 Growth 2025–2035: +4.4% Annual openings: 1

stronger human/judgment moat, more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

6%

15 points lower exposure • 91% profile similarity

Median wage: $58,870 Growth 2025–2035: +2.8% Annual openings: 1

more physical-world work

Personalized career defense protocol

AI-Proofing Plan

AUTOMATE

    AUGMENT

    • administrative support tasks
    • planning and documentation

    PROTECT

    • physical-world execution
    • on-site troubleshooting
    • dexterity and equipment interaction

    LEARN

    • AI-assisted diagnostics
    • digital documentation
    • basic AI literacy

    AI-PROOFING RESOURCES

    What this score does not mean

    The percentage is a comparative task-exposure index. It is not the probability that this occupation disappears, that a worker is laid off, or that AI can perform the entire job.

    New in V11

    Find a Safer Career Path

    High exposure does not mean starting over. V11 compares your occupation with the other 922 O*NET occupations and surfaces lower-exposure options with similar work profiles.

    EXPLORE CAREER ALTERNATIVES
    I am your guide.
    Knowledge is your strongest upgrade.