SOC 19-2012
Physicists
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ28/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ21,340
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$166K
$80K โ $0
Projected Growth
๐+4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค83/100
High exposure
๐ก Physicists face a risk score of 28/100 โ 16 points below the national average of 44. With 83/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $166K ($120K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of just 28/100, Physicists is well-positioned against AI automation. Core responsibilities like designing novel experiments and research methodologies and collaborative scientific discourse and peer review rely heavily on human judgment and interpersonal skills that AI cannot easily replicate. The 21,340 Americans in this role can expect continued demand, though they should still stay informed about AI tools that can enhance their productivity.
Will AI Replace Physicists?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic sample preparation and experimentation
AI-accelerated data analysis and pattern recognition
AI-powered research and literature review tools
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Designing novel experiments and research methodologies
Collaborative scientific discourse and peer review
Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise
Ethical oversight of research involving human subjects
Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments
๐ 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.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
Write research proposals to receive funding.
๐ป Technology Skills
Music or sound editing software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Data base user interface and query software
Expert system software
Analytical or scientific software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Physics
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
English Language
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 55% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 71% |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 84% |