Also called: Theoretical Astrophysicist
Uses physics to explain how stars burn, explode, and collapse into black holes.
You might run a supercomputer simulation of two neutron stars colliding, then compare it to real light and gravitational-wave signals. Days are full of coding, math, and discussion with collaborators worldwide.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 11 years after high school. PhD in astrophysics or physics plus postdocs.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Astronomy, Applied Mathematics.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Growth figure is for physicists and astronomers combined; astronomy alone is a small field with about 2,000 US jobs.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI speeds simulations and data fits; new physical ideas and comparing models with real signals stay human.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.