Physical Scientists, All Other
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 1 of 24 tasks
Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 2.1% of the role's time · $56.9M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 8.7% of the role's time · $234M
Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 8.3% of the role's time · $223M
Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 8.0% of the role's time · $214M
Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 7.8% of the role's time · $209M · waiting on a check
Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.4% of the role's time · $172M · waiting on a check
Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 6.0% of the role's time · $161M · passed by Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 4.7% of the role's time · $127M
Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 4.7% of the role's time · $126M
Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 4.5% of the role's time · $120M
Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 4.3% of the role's time · $116M
Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
physical work, outside the screen · 4.0% of the role's time · $108M
Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.
physical work, outside the screen · 3.5% of the role's time · $94.6M
Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 3.2% of the role's time · $86.5M
Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.2% of the role's time · $86.5M
Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 3.1% of the role's time · $84.2M
Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.0% of the role's time · $79.9M · waiting on a check
Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.7% of the role's time · $71.8M
Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 2.6% of the role's time · $70.9M
Participate in fieldwork.
physical work, outside the screen · 2.4% of the role's time · $64.0M
Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 2.2% of the role's time · $59.8M
Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.8% of the role's time · $48.0M
Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.7% of the role's time · $46.6M
Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $23.6M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | 10,040 | $1.3B | $28.2M | $0 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 3670 | $318M | $6.7M | $0 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 1760 | $251M | $5.3M | $0 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 1460 | $209M | $4.4M | $0 |
| State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 1890 | $172M | $3.6M | $0 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 570 | $121M | $2.6M | $0 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 490 | $83.7M | $1.8M | $0 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 640 | $61.7M | $1.3M | $0 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 400 | $55.2M | $1.2M | $0 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 370 | $34.4M | $729k | $0 |