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Cryptographers

Computer & Mathematicalmediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +26%
Median Wage: $126,750
Employment: 17K

Overall Exposure

44+14

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

62

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

24

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

28

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

44→59
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

62→77
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

24→39
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

28→41
+13

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202330481218actual
202437551823actual
202544622428actual
202650683033estimated
202755733537estimated
202859773941estimated

Task Breakdown

Design and implement cryptographic algorithms and protocols
35%β 0.5
Analyze cryptographic systems for security vulnerabilities
48%β 0.5
Develop key management and digital signature systems
42%β 0.5
Research post-quantum cryptography and emerging threats
30%β 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Cryptographer, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 28/100 and overall exposure at 44%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is analyzing cryptographic systems for vulnerabilities at 48% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +26% growth through 2034. Cryptographers who harness AI for vulnerability analysis while pioneering post-quantum encryption will be essential to national security and digital commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 28%, Cryptographers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Cryptographers is 28% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 44%, with 62% theoretical exposure and 24% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +10 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Cryptographers are: Analyze cryptographic systems for security vulnerabilities (48%), Develop key management and digital signature systems (42%), Design and implement cryptographic algorithms and protocols (35%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +26% employment change for Cryptographers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 44%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Cryptographers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.