CFChooseField
Science

Physicists

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Physicists
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Median pay

$166,290
Median annual pay for Physicists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

24,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Physicists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical education needed to enter Physicists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Science
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Physics
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Mathematical Reasoning
  2. 2Number Facility
  3. 3Written Comprehension
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Fluency of Ideas
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Innovation
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Dependability
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Processing Information
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Spend Time Sitting
  3. 3Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  4. 4Freedom to Make Decisions
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
  • Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
  • Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
  • Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
  • Write research proposals to receive funding.
  • Teach physics to students.
  • Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
  • 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.

Software and tools

Python · in demandEclipse IDE · in demandMicrosoft Visual Studio · hot technologyJavaScript · hot technologyLinux · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Azure software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Visual Basic · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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