Why Sam Altman thinks 2035 graduates could secure lucrative careers in space

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global workforce at an unprecedented pace, altering the nature of careers and the skills required to succeed. Experts increasingly predict that the jobs of the future will be markedly different from those of today. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has offered a bold vision, suggesting that space exploration could become a realistic and high-paying career path for college graduates within the next decade. Speaking with Cleo Abram, Altman outlined how AI-driven advances in science, engineering, and automation may open entirely new industries, particularly in space-related fields. For students and young professionals, this forecast signals a need to prepare for opportunities that extend far beyond traditional career paths.

Altman’s vision for 2035 graduates Altman envisions that by 2035, space exploration will no longer be confined to astronauts employed by government agencies. Private enterprises and international partnerships are likely to create diverse roles for skilled professionals across engineering, science, and technology. “In 2035, that graduating college student, if they still go to college at all, could very well be leaving on a mission to explore the solar system on a spaceship in some completely new, exciting, super well-paid, super interesting job,” Altman said. Central to this transformation is artificial intelligence, which he believes will automate complex tasks, allowing more individuals to participate in large-scale space projects without decades of specialised astronaut training.

Current workforce trends and future opportunities The current trends in aerospace indicate that Altman’s prediction is grounded in reality. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that aerospace engineering positions are growing faster than the national average. Professionals in this sector already earn annual salaries exceeding $130,000. With growing investments in spacecraft manufacturing, satellite technology, and interplanetary research, the range of roles is expanding to include robotics specialists, AI technicians, and planetary scientists. The commercial space travel industry and lunar exploration programs are further broadening potential career avenues for both students preparing for the workforce and professionals seeking new opportunities.

AI as a catalyst for new careers Altman has emphasised that while artificial intelligence may replace certain jobs, it also has the potential to create entirely new avenues for employment. He compared the capabilities of GPT-5 to having access to a team of PhD-level experts instantly through a mobile device, allowing individuals to achieve results that once required large organisations. This, he argues, could empower small teams or even single individuals to innovate and launch billion-dollar companies independently. The implications for students and professionals are clear: mastering AI and integrating it into technical expertise can lower traditional barriers to entry, enabling global access to innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities.

Industry perspectives on AI and future work Other prominent figures in the technology sector have weighed in on AI’s role in shaping future careers. Bill Gates has suggested that AI may shorten workweeks, reducing the number of tasks requiring human input. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, has emphasised AI’s potential to enhance human capabilities, allowing skilled individuals to achieve greater impact. Entrepreneur Mark Cuban has highlighted AI’s capacity to create unprecedented wealth, predicting that the world’s first trillionaire could operate a business independently from their own home. These perspectives underscore the broad spectrum of opportunities AI presents for both students entering the workforce and professionals seeking to adapt or pivot their careers.

AI in space exploration and career implications In space exploration, AI is already integral to autonomous navigation systems, predictive maintenance, and data analysis for missions. Altman’s projections align with NASA’s long-term objectives, which include crewed missions to Mars in the 2030s. If these timelines hold, graduates in 2035 could find themselves entering a workforce where commercial and government-led missions to the Moon, Mars, and other destinations are actively underway. Career possibilities may encompass spacecraft design, in-space manufacturing, interplanetary logistics, and AI-driven mission operations. For professionals already established in related sectors, the integration of AI into these roles presents opportunities to expand expertise and lead pioneering projects.

Preparing for the careers of tomorrow Altman has suggested that future generations will view today’s work practices as outdated, referring to them as “boring, old work” when compared to the possibilities ahead. The combination of advanced AI tools and ambitious space programs could allow students and professionals alike to innovate in ways previously limited to large, specialised teams. For the graduating class of 2035, working in space may not be science fiction but a tangible, lucrative career path, marking a transformation in the nature of work and signalling a new era for technology-driven human ambition.

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