Science
Physicist
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Median pay
$172,250
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
1,300
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Physicist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Physicist: 70% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
- Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.
- Write research proposals to receive funding.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
Also called: Astrophysicist · Biophysics Scientist · Health Physicist · Medical Physicist · Research Physicist · Scientist
Outlook and AI
Physicists held 23,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 24,800 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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