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Physicists

The short answer

This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 115 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.

How much AI could touch this job

Most exposedband 5 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with more than half of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 90% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Write research proposals to receive funding.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. 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.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Computer and Information Research Scientists

    Similar work
    about the same pay113 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about the same—$187,084 vs your $187,061 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Mathematics
    • Deductive Reasoning
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Telecommunications
    • Design
    • Sales and Marketing