Life, Physical & Social Science
Physicists
Also called: Astrophysicist, Biophysics Scientist, Health Physicist, Medical Physicist
US median pay
$172,250
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.2%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
1,300
23,200 employed
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Teach physics to students.
- Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving4.4/5
- Instructing3.9/5
- Programming3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.6/5
- Systems Analysis3.5/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.2/5
- Operations Analysis3.1/5
Knowledge
- Physics4.9/5
- Mathematics4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.1/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Doctoral or professional degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Doctoral degree49%
- Post-doctoral training39%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.