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AI exposure Life, physical and social science

Will AI replace atmospheric and space scientists?

Atmospheric and Space Scientists. US occupation 19-2021.

3.8%

of the time atmospheric and space scientists spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of atmospheric and space scientists' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 281 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 62% of them.Further along than 62% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

Around the middle of the pack.Keeping pace with the average job.

What AI already does for atmospheric and space scientistsWhat atmospheric and space scientists no longer do alone

O*NET lists 27 tasks for atmospheric and space scientists. AI use at work shows up in 1 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

  1. Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.Core task mostly automated 0.91

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

26 of the 27 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.Core task
  • Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.Core task
  • Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.Core task
  • Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.Core task
  • Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.Core task
  • Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.Core task
Show the other 20
  • Develop and deliver training on weather topics.Core task
  • Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.Core task
  • Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.Core task
  • Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.Core task
  • Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.Core task
  • Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.Core task
  • Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.Core task
  • Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.Core task
  • Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.Core task
  • Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.Core task
  • Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.Core task
  • Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
  • Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
  • Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
  • Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
  • Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
  • Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
  • Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
  • Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
  • Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.

How that compares

Among the 46 life, physical and social science occupations, atmospheric and space scientists rank 30. The group averages 12.2%, and its most exposed job is Political Scientists at 45.2%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just above in the ranking

  1. 278Helpers--Production Workers 3.9%
  2. 278Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists 3.9%
  3. 278Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters 3.9%

Just below

  1. 284Detectives and Criminal Investigators 3.7%
  2. 284Industrial Engineers 3.7%
  3. 284Music Directors and Composers 3.7%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.