As of June 2026, Astronomers has an AI-exposure score of 60/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Astronomers
More exposed than 66% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$128,820. About 100 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Science roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (71%).
- Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
- Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
- Direct the operations of a planetarium.
- Conduct question-and-answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.
- Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
- Serve on professional panels and committees.
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Raise funds for scientific research.
- Review scientific proposals and research papers.
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
Safer adjacent roles
Your AI-Safe Career Report
Every task scored with what to do about it · 5–10 safer roles with salary, demand & reachability · skill-gap map · a 30/60/90-day roadmap · plus a résumé & LinkedIn rewrite · PDF.
Grounded in O*NET + the Anthropic Economic Index + BLS — personalized to your role.
Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
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