OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes some college graduates could have jobs in space by 2035. He predicts that future workers may travel beyond Earth for exciting and well-paid careers. His comments offer a glimpse into how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) could change the future of work.
Altman shared this vision during an interview with science communicator Cleo Abram in August 2025. He discussed how the jobs available to young people could look very different in the next decade.
According to Altman, graduates in 2035 could leave Earth on spacecraft to explore the solar system. They might work in roles that do not exist today. These jobs could also offer much higher salaries than many traditional careers.
Sam Altman Predicts New Career Opportunities by 2035
Sam Altman believes the next generation could have access to opportunities that seem unusual today. He suggested that some graduates might travel through space as part of their jobs.
During the interview, he said future graduates could take part in missions to explore the solar system. He described these potential roles as exciting, interesting and highly paid. Altman also suggested that young people might look back at today’s jobs and find them boring by comparison.
His prediction does not mean every graduate will work in space. Instead, it reflects his belief that technological progress could create entirely new industries and career paths.
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AI Could Transform Careers in Science, Medicine and Space
AI is already changing how companies operate. Businesses use AI tools to write content, analyse data, develop software and automate routine tasks.
Altman believes these changes could open doors to new kinds of work. As AI systems improve, they could help researchers and engineers solve problems that once required much more time and effort.
This could also support progress in fields such as science, medicine, robotics and space exploration. However, AI may also affect existing jobs. Some tasks could become automated, while other roles may require new skills.
This has raised questions about how students should prepare for their careers. Altman’s prediction suggests that the future job market could include opportunities that today’s students cannot easily imagine.
Space Exploration Could Create New Types of Jobs
Space exploration already involves scientists, engineers, astronauts and mission specialists. A larger space industry could create demand for many other professionals.
For example, future missions may need experts in robotics, spacecraft design, computer systems and life-support technology. Scientists could also work on experiments beyond Earth.
Private companies are investing in space technology, while government agencies continue to develop exploration programmes. These efforts could expand the range of jobs connected to space.
Still, working in space would require major advances in technology, infrastructure and safety. Long-distance missions also involve high costs and risks.
Altman’s prediction remains a possibility rather than a confirmed forecast. The number of jobs available will depend on how the space industry develops over the next decade.
Altman Also Sees New Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
Altman’s outlook extends beyond space exploration. He has also argued that AI tools could make it easier for individuals to build successful businesses. AI can help small teams complete tasks that once required larger workforces.
This could lower some barriers to starting a company. Young professionals may therefore have opportunities to develop products, launch businesses and work in new industries.
At the same time, these changes could create challenges for people entering the job market. Students may need to keep learning as technology changes the skills employers value.
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What Sam Altman’s Prediction Means for Students
Altman’s comments offer an ambitious picture of what the job market could look like in 2035. Some graduates may have opportunities to work on space missions or develop technologies that support exploration beyond Earth.
For students interested in these fields, subjects such as physics, engineering, computer science and robotics could provide a useful foundation. Research, data analysis and problem-solving skills may also be valuable.
People who prefer other career paths will have options too. AI could change work across healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing and many other industries.
The important point is that future jobs may look different from those available today. Students can prepare by building transferable skills and staying open to new opportunities.
Still, working in space by 2035 remains a possibility rather than a confirmed outcome. Major technical, financial and safety challenges must be addressed before space employment becomes more widely accessible.
Altman’s prediction highlights the scale of change that technology could bring over the next decade. Whether graduates actually travel into space for work will depend on how far AI, engineering and space exploration advance.
