Career Overview
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Also Known As
- Health Physicist
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Scientist
Alternate Job Titles
- Aerodynamicist
- Aerophysicist
- Astrophysicist
- Atmospheric Physicist
- Atomic Spectroscopist
- Biophysics Scientist
- Cloud Physicist
- Computational Physicist
- Condensed Matter Physicist
- Diagnostic Medical Physicist
- Electrodynamicist
- Experimental Physicist
- Fluid Dynamicist
- Health Physicist
- Mass Spectroscopist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Perform peer reviews of scientific papers.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Complex Problem Solving
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Number Facility
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Fluency of Ideas
- Originality
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
- Attention to Detail
- Achievement Orientation
- Dependability
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Independence
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Eclipse IDE
- Extensible markup language XML
- Git
- JavaScript
Tools & Equipment
- Accelerometers
- Analog frequency analyzers
- Analog sound level meters
- Analytical balances
- Annealing furnaces
- Arbitrary function generators
- Argon ion lasers
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
- Atomic emission detectors AED
- Atomic force microscopes
- Betatrons
- Big G torsion balances
- Capacitance bridges
- Cavity dumpers or drivers
- Charge-coupled device CCD cameras
Work Environment
- Spend Time Sitting
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $80,020 |
| Median | $166,290 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | >$239,200 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 21,340
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Mathematicians
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $121,680
Astronomers
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $132,170
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $97,360
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: $103,650
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.