44
/100

SOC 19-2099

Physical Scientists, All Other

ElevatedFrey/Osborne: 43.0%

Risk Score

โš ๏ธ

44/100

Elevated

US Employment

๐Ÿ‘ฅ

22,580

Total workers

Median Wage

๐Ÿ’ฐ

$118K

$62K โ€“ $192K

Projected Growth

๐Ÿ“ˆ

+0.6%

2023-2033 (BLS)

GenAI Exposure

๐Ÿค–

80/100

High exposure

How we calculate these numbers โ†’

๐Ÿ’ก Physical Scientists, All Other face a risk score of 44/100 โ€” 0 points above the national average of 44. With 80/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ†’

๐Ÿ’ก Workers in this field earn $118K ($72K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ†’

๐Ÿ” AI Impact Analysis

With a risk score of 44/100, Physical Scientists, All Other faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated laboratory instrumentation and workflows are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 22,580 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in fieldwork in unstructured natural environments and collaborative scientific discourse and peer review to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.

Will AI Replace Physical Scientists, All Other?

Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ†’

โš ๏ธ Top Risk Factors

1

Automated laboratory instrumentation and workflows

2

Automated data interpretation and insight generation

3

Large language model automation of analysis tasks

4

AI literature review and meta-analysis automation

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation

โœ“

Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments

โœ“

Collaborative scientific discourse and peer review

โœ“

Ethical oversight of research involving human subjects

โœ“

Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise

๐Ÿ“Š Task Automation Breakdown

Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.

๐Ÿ“‹ O*NET Task Profile

โ€ข

Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.

โ€ข

Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

โ€ข

Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.

โ€ข

Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.

โ€ข

Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.

๐Ÿ’ป Technology Skills

โ€ข

Graphics or photo imaging software

โ€ข

Charting software

โ€ข

Analytical or scientific software

โ€ข

Project management software

โ€ข

Data base management system software

๐ŸŽ“ Key Knowledge Areas

โ€ข

Geography

โ€ข

Computers and Electronics

โ€ข

Mathematics

โ€ข

Engineering and Technology

โ€ข

English Language

๐Ÿ“Š vs National Average

Median Wage$118K
+$72K

National avg: $46K

Risk Score44/100
0

National avg: 44/100

GenAI Exposure80/100
+42

National avg: 38/100

Projected Growth0.6%
-3.1%

National avg: 3.7%

๐Ÿ”„ Career Transition Paths

OccupationRiskWageOverlap
Dentists, All Other Specialists13$226K67%
Political Scientists25$139K83%
Astronomers27$132K79%