Physicist

Explore This Path

Unlock the mysteries of the universe through groundbreaking research and discovery.
Shape the future by developing theories that explain the world around us.
Transform complex data into insights that drive technological advancements.

💰 Earn $141K-$225K

📚 Doctoral or Professional Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 7.2% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

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

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

1,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$178,700 in California

$155,680 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Physicist? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@hunterorionswan

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Job security
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Physicist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years