Physicists

General Information

Description

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

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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

Industry areas

  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Job Outlook

Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,100 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$152,430

Military salary*

$130,960

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State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$208,000+
$79,500
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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Doctoral degree 49%
  • Post-doctoral training 39%
  • Post-master's certificate 8%
  • Bachelor's degree 3%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

Knowledge

  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training

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
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