Cosmologist
Also known as: cosmology research scientist, evolutionary cosmologist, cosmology data scientist, cosmology scientist, observational cosmologist, theoretical cosmologist
About this occupation
Cosmologists focus on the study of the universe as a whole, which is made up by its origin, evolution and ultimate fate. They use tools and scientific instruments to observe and study other galaxies and astronomical objects such as stars, black holes, planets and other celestial bodies.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply scientific methods
- carry out scientific research in observatory
- observe celestial objects
- operate scientific measuring equipment
- astronomy
- physics
- quantum optics
- analyse scientific data
- write work-related reports
- gather experimental data
- define celestial bodies
- statistics
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Mathematicians (O*NET 15-2021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$126,710 a year (2025), 2,030 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsExtremely important (4.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Data Scientists
- Physicists
- Statisticians
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Astronomers
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Biostatisticians
- Operations Research Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.