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Military Physical Scientists

Military Career

General Information

Description

Physical scientists carry out research tasks within a chosen field of study. They conduct experiments or make observations, analyze findings, operate necessary equipment, and develop and test theories.

Explore this career outside the military

Work Environment

Physical scientists in the military work in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors, depending on the area of specialization. Many physical scientists perform their work in laboratories or offices. Other physical scientists spend extensive hours outdoors collecting and analyzing data in the field. Although they observe strict safety precautions, some physical scientists may be exposed to hazardous substances.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Physical Scientists in the Military

411

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

$89,730

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

No Information for this section

Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 35%
  • Post-doctoral training 26%
  • Master's degree 15%
  • Doctoral degree 13%
  • Associate's degree 7%
  • Post baccalaureate 2%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for physical scientists primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments, and varies depending on service and specialty. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Methods of analyzing weather conditionsIdentification of common weather patternsTechniques and procedures of forecastingChemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and HAZMAT operations

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for physical scientists primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments, and varies depending on service and specialty. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Methods of analyzing weather conditions
  • Identification of common weather patterns
  • Techniques and procedures of forecasting
  • Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and HAZMAT operations

Knowledge

  • Biology
  • Administrative
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.