7 /10
High AI exposure Rank #141 of 493

Life Physical & Social Science

Physicists and astronomers

AI Displacement Score: 7/10 - High AI exposure

Workers

26,400

Median Pay

$166,290

Job Outlook

+4%

Key Finding

Physicists and astronomers face high ai exposure AI displacement risk, scoring 7/10 on the JobHunter AI Displacement Index (global average: 5.7/10). There are approximately 26,400 workers in this role in the US, earning a median of $166,290.

Source: JobHunter AI Displacement Index - 342 occupations analyzed using Karpathy's research framework

What does 7/10 mean?

0 - AI-proof Global avg: 5.7 10 - Fully exposed

Physicists and astronomers scored 7/10 across 342 occupations analyzed using Karpathy's AI displacement research framework. The global average is 5.7/10. This role is near the global average.

Similar Roles

Biochemists and biophysicists 7/10 Chemists and materials scientists 7/10 Epidemiologists 7/10 Historians 7/10 Medical scientists 7/10 Sociologists 7/10

Life Physical & Social Science - All Scores

Economists 9/10
Survey researchers 9/10
Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists 8/10
Geographers 8/10
Political scientists 8/10
Biochemists and biophysicists 7/10
Chemists and materials scientists 7/10
Epidemiologists 7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI replace physicists and astronomers?
Physicists and astronomers scored 7/10 on AI displacement risk (global average: 5.7). This means high ai exposure risk of significant AI disruption. Rather than full replacement, most roles at this level see task automation - certain parts of the job get absorbed by AI while new responsibilities emerge.
What is the AI displacement score for physicists and astronomers?
The AI displacement score for Physicists and astronomers is 7 out of 10, based on analysis of 342 occupations using Karpathy's research framework. The global average is 5.7/10. Similar roles score: Biochemists and biophysicists (7/10), Chemists and materials scientists (7/10), Epidemiologists (7/10).
How many physicists and astronomers are there in the US?
There are approximately 26,400 physicists and astronomers in the United States, with a median pay of $166,290 and a projected job outlook of +4%.
What should physicists and astronomers do about AI?
With a score of 7/10, physicists and astronomers should focus on skills AI can't easily replicate: complex judgment, relationship building, creative problem-solving, and physical-world interaction. Learning to use AI tools as leverage (not competition) is the highest-ROI move.

What AI can already do in this role

  • Handle routine scheduling, documentation, and follow-ups
  • Analyze data patterns faster than manual review
  • Generate first drafts of reports and communications

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