Will AI replace physicists?AI replacement risk 72% and how the work is changing
Median annual pay
$172,250
25th–75th pct. $111,720–$222,760
Top pay (est.)
$356,300
Top 10% $274,110
Pay in 5 years
$194,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$220,500est.
$189,600–$256,000
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
72%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.2%
1,300 openings / yr
Will AI replace Physicists? 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 Physicists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Analyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationWorking with Computers
Important abilities
Mathematical ReasoningOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOriginality
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
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.