Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
How AI Impacts Each Task
16 tasks analyzed
Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Direct testing and monitoring of contamination of radioactive equipment, and recording of personnel and plant area radiation exposure data.
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
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.
Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.
Teach physics to students.
Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.
Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.
Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases.
Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.
Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning.
Write research proposals to receive funding.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers. | 31.03Observed | 39.4% | 12% | |
| Direct testing and monitoring of contamination of radioactive equipment, and recording of personnel and plant area radiation exposure data. | 67Estimated | 76.0% | 2% | |
| Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 10% | |
| Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 12% | |
| 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. | 58.7Observed | 50.5% | 10% | |
| Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology. | 30Estimated | 39.0% | 8% | |
| Teach physics to students. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 8% | |
| Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 8% | |
| Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood. | 61.38Observed | 51.6% | 8% | |
| Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 6% | |
| Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 3% | |
| Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 3% | |
| Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 2% | |
| Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 2% | |
| Write research proposals to receive funding. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 4% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Memorization is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
IBM plans 750 new AI and quantum jobs in its Chicago hub
The tech giant is significantly expanding its Midwest footprint by adding hundreds of specialized roles in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. This signals a major regional investment outside traditional coastal tech hubs.

OpenAI targets research jobs with new discovery-acceleration tools
The AI giant is positioning its latest models to act as autonomous research assistants capable of parsing complex physics and materials science data. This threatens to automate the grunt work traditionally handled by graduate students and junior lab techs.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis