Career Explorer Science
Grows with AI
Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Changing faster than most: more resilient than 25% 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 +7.2% 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)
- $172,250
- Job growth to 2035
- +7.2%
- Openings a year
- 1,300
- People doing it (2025)
- 23,200
- Usual route in
- Doctorate or professional degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Present research or technical information
- Develop scientific or mathematical theories or models
- Teach academic or vocational subjects
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Analyze environmental or geospatial data
- Prepare proposals or grant applications
- Operate laboratory or field equipment
What the work looks like
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Computer and information research scientistsGrows with AI, Index 41, +21.8%
- Engineering teachers, postsecondaryGrows with AI, Index 28, +7.8%
- Medical scientists, except epidemiologistsGrows with AI, Index 49, +12.6%
- CuratorsGrows with AI, Index 36, +4.9%
Also known as: Astrophysicist, Health Physicist, Research Physicist, Scientist, Biophysics Scientist, Medical Physicist.
Is this career on your child's list?
Build a free Career Playbook matched to your child, or get a 90-day Action Plan with dated next steps, written for your child by name.
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.