The U.S. Department of Labor doesn't specifically track employment of astrobiologists, but related professions, including biological technicians and biochemists and biophysicists, will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. Despite these predictions, it is important to remember that astrobiology is still a very small field. Competition will be stiff for top positions. For example, Ph.D.'s looking for research positions will find strong competition for a limited number of openings. In addition, certain government jobs as well as government funding for research may also be less plentiful. A recession or shift in political power can cause the loss of funding for grants and the decline of research and development endeavors.
Astrobiologists with advanced degrees will be best qualified for the most lucrative and challenging jobs. Scientists with bachelor's degrees may find openings as science or engineering technicians or as health technologists and technicians.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Aerospace Medicine Physicians
- Agricultural Scientists
- Animal Behaviorists
- Animal Breeders and Technicians
- Aquaculturists
- Arborists
- Astrogeologists
- Astronauts
- Astronomers
- Astrophysicists
- Biochemical Engineers
- Biochemists
- Bioinformatics Specialists
- Biologists
- Biomedical Engineers
- Biomedical Equipment Technicians
- Biophysicists
- Biosecurity Monitors
- Biotechnology Production Workers
- Biotechnology Research Assistants
- Botanists
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemists
- Climate Scientists
- Computer Programmers
- CRISPR Scientists
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Cytotechnologists
- Drug Developers
- Electrical Engineering Technologists
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers
- Engineers
- Environmental Scientists
- Epidemiologists
- Epigenetics Researchers
- Genetic Counselors
- Genetic Engineers
- Genetic Genealogists
- Genetic Scientists
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Hypersonics Engineers
- Hypersonics Technicians
- Laboratory Technicians and Technologists
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Marine Biologists
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Medical Scientists
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Naturalists
- Neuroscientists
- Nuclear Medicine Physicians
- Pathologists
- Physicians
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Robotics Engineers
- Robotics Technicians
- Space Lawyers
- Space Meteorologist
- Space Pilots
- Space Tourism Managers
- Spacecraft Test Technicians
- Veterinarians
- Zoologists