All occupationsCompare
Export

Virologists

Life, Physical & Social Scienceshighaugment
BLS 2024-34: +10%
Median Wage: $103,810
Employment: 19K

Overall Exposure

52

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

72

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

32

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

24

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

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

Overall Exposure

52โ†’68
+16

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

72โ†’84
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

32โ†’52
+20

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

24โ†’36
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202446672520actual
202552723224estimated
202658764028estimated
202763804632estimated
202868845236estimated

Task Breakdown

Analyze viral genome sequences and mutations
75%ฮฒ 1
Conduct cell culture and virus propagation experiments
18%ฮฒ 0
Model viral transmission dynamics and outbreak scenarios
65%ฮฒ 1

About This Occupation

If you work as a Virologist, AI is transforming your genomic analysis and epidemiological modeling capabilities. With an automation risk of 24/100 and overall exposure at 52%, this role faces high transformation. Genome sequence analysis sees the highest automation at 75%. BLS projects +10% growth through 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 24%, Virologists 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 Virologists is 24% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 52%, with 72% theoretical exposure and 32% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is 0 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Virologists are: Analyze viral genome sequences and mutations (75%), Model viral transmission dynamics and outbreak scenarios (65%), Conduct cell culture and virus propagation experiments (18%). 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 +10% employment change for Virologists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 52%, 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 Virologists 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.