Physicists

Also Called: Health Physicist, Physicist, Research Scientist, Scientist

Doctoral Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$80,950

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Physicists 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.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Spend Time Sitting
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Face-to-Face Discussions

Tools

  • Lasers
  • Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators
  • Spectrometers
  • Signal generators
  • Frequency analyzers

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Wolfram Research Mathematica
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Development environment software
Eclipse IDE
Microsoft Azure

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Science
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Math and Science
physics
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
computers and electronics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design

Education

  • 49% Doctoral degree
  • 39% Post-doctoral training
  • 8% Post-master's certificate

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Home Health Aides

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, & Illustrators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Health Education Specialists

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Computer & Information Research Scientists

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Physicists Currently Selected

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

  • Adelphi University

    Garden City, NY

Apprenticeships

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Innovation
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Initiative
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity

Values

  • Recognition
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Math
  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Physicists across the country typically make.

$38.92 / hour
$80,950 /year

Entry Level

$74.85 / hour
$155,680 /year

Median Level

$111.99 / hour
$232,940 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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