Physicists
SOC Code: 19-2012
Physicists carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $166,290 and +4.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 24,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Physicists (SOC 19-2012) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 24,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $166,290, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Physicists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- 2. Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- 3. Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- 4. Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
- 5. Write research proposals to receive funding.
- 6. Teach physics to students.
- 7. Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
- 8. Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.
- 9. Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.
- 10. Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
Key Skills Required
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Physicists?
Physicists has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Physicists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Physicists is projected to grow by 4.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 24,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Physicists?
Key skills for Physicists include Science, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Physicists earn?
The median annual wage for Physicists is $166,290, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Physicists?
The typical entry-level education for Physicists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Physicists?
Physicists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).