Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace astronomers?AI replacement risk 72% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$128,820
25th–75th pct. $99,920–$166,000
Top pay (est.)
$253,700
Top 10% $195,190
Pay in 5 years
$146,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$165,400est.
$142,200–$192,000
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
72%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.8%
100 openings / yr

Will AI replace Astronomers? AI replacement risk

72%
High
Ranked #754 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Astronomers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
5.1
Science
5.1
Writing
5.0
Mathematics
5.0
Active Learning
4.9
Speaking
4.8
Critical Thinking
4.1
Active Listening
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Physics
6.6
Mathematics
6.4
Computers and Electronics
5.7
English Language
4.8
Education and Training
4.7
Chemistry
4.1
Engineering and Technology
4.0
Administration and Management
3.4

What the work involves

Processing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionInductive ReasoningMathematical Reasoning

Education of workers

Doctoral degree
65%
Post-doctoral training
26%
Master's degree
9%

Training before entry

None / short demo
57%
Up to 1 month
22%
4–10 years
9%
1–2 years
4%
6–12 months
4%
3–6 months
4%

Related work experience

2–4 years
43%
None
22%
1–2 years
9%
4–6 years
9%
6–12 months
9%
6–8 years
4%
8–10 years
4%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.