Career Explorer Science
Grows with AI
Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Changing faster than most: more resilient than 24% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by +7.8% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $128,820
- Job growth to 2035
- +7.8%
- Openings a year
- 100
- People doing it (2025)
- 2,400
- Usual route in
- Doctorate or professional degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Present research or technical information
- Provide information or assistance to the public
- Advise others on educational or vocational matters
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Analyze data to improve operations
- Direct scientific or technical activities
- Supervise personnel activities
What the work looks like
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- PhysicistsGrows with AI, Index 25, +7.2%
- Anthropologists and archeologistsGrows with AI, Index 44, +6.0%
- Computer and information research scientistsGrows with AI, Index 41, +21.8%
- Engineering teachers, postsecondaryGrows with AI, Index 28, +7.8%
Also known as: Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Research Astrophysicist.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.