Physicist

Explore Careers Physicist O*NET-SOC: 19-2012.00 Education Conducts research to understand fundamental principles governing matter, energy, space, and time, developing theories, designing experiments, and applying physics knowledge to solve scientific and technological problems. See your fit Take the quiz to see how you match Take the Quiz $143K Median Salary +5% Stable Doctoral Degree Min. Education Good Balance Work-Life Balance About This Role A research physicist specializing in education and research embarks on a daily journey of intellectual exploration, blending rigorous experimentation with theoretical innovation in settings like university labs, government facilities, or corporate R&D centers. They design intricate experiments to probe fundamental principles - from quantum mechanics to thermodynamics - meticulously controlling variables, calibrating specialized equipment, and collecting vast datasets to test hypotheses or uncover new phenomena. Decisions abound: whether to refine a simulation model after anomalous results, pivot research directions based on preliminary analysis, or prioritize grant proposals to fund ambitious projects. Mornings might involve hands-on lab work with lasers or particle detectors, afternoons data crunching via computational tools and statistical methods, and evenings drafting papers for peer-reviewed journals or preparing conference talks. Collaboration is key; they huddle with engineers, chemists, and fellow physicists to integrate insights into practical technologies like advanced materials or renewable energy solutions. This career suits the deeply curious - those with Ph.D.-level tenacity, a knack for pattern recognition, and resilience against experimental failures or funding hurdles. Rewards are profound: the thrill of a breakthrough publication, mentoring eager students who carry forward discoveries, and contributing to humanity's understanding of the universe, often with societal impact through innovations in climate tech or quantum computing. Challenges include irregular hours driven by experiment timelines, the pressure of securing competitive grants, and the patience required for iterative science where progress can stall for months. Yet, the intellectual freedom and potential for paradigm-shifting contributions make it profoundly fulfilling for those who thrive on unsolved puzzles and collaborative discovery. A Day in the Life 8:30 AM Morning routine and lab prep Arrive at the lab after a structured morning routine. Review overnight experiment data and calibrate equipment for the day's tests. 9:30 AM Conduct experiments Set up and run complex experiments, controlling variables precisely. Monitor real-time data from lasers or detectors to ensure integrity. 12:00 PM Lunch break Take a quick lunch with colleagues. Discuss preliminary findings and brainstorm hypothesis refinements over a shared meal. 1:00 PM Data analysis Analyze datasets using statistical software and simulations. Identify patterns and validate models against observed phenomena. 3:00 PM Team meeting Collaborate in an interdisciplinary team huddle. Present results, troubleshoot issues, and plan next experimental phases. 4:30 PM Writing and grant prep Draft sections of a research paper or grant proposal. Refine theoretical models based on afternoon insights. 6:00 PM Wrap-up and review Review the day's progress and schedule tomorrow's tasks. Head home or continue remote analysis if needed. Tools & Technologies Development ToolsEclipse IDECMicrosoft AzureMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual StudioDatabases & Data ToolsAWSMicrosoft AccessMySQLOracle DatabaseSQLProgramming LanguagesPythonC++JavaPerlSun Microsystems JavaOperating SystemsLinuxMicrosoft WindowsUNIXAnalytics & ScienceThe MathWorks MATLABAptech Systems GAUSSCERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAWCERN ROOTCOMSOL MultiphysicsGraphics & DesignAdobe PhotoshopGNU Image Manipulation Program GIMPPloticusXfigxv Salary Details Salary by State Physicist salary by state map Physicist salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range Minnesota $223K — Florida $209K — Pennsylvania $208K — Arizona $191K — Oregon $184K — California $181K — Missouri $180K — New Hampshire $179K — New Mexico $176K — New York $174K — Wisconsin $174K — Tennessee $174K $65K - $227K Connecticut $172K — North Carolina $171K — Texas $170K — Kentucky $169K — New Jersey $169K — Virginia $164K — Maryland $164K $101K - $211K Massachusetts $154K $92K - $222K District of Columbia $153K $83K - $192K Colorado $145K $109K - $192K Ohio $136K $49K - $226K Utah $134K — Idaho $132K $81K - $203K Arkansas $132K $104K - $213K Georgia $132K — Illinois $131K $78K - $208K South Carolina $131K $102K - $222K Iowa $121K — Mississippi $121K $60K - $235K Washington $120K $67K - $224K Nevada $116K $85K - $156K Alabama $115K $69K - $223K Maine $115K $55K - $225K Indiana $110K $52K - $224K Michigan $108K $68K - $238K Oklahoma $85K $54K - $227K Delaware $83K — South Dakota $78K $51K - $173K Physicist salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range Minnesota $223K — Florida $209K — Pennsylvania $208K — Arizona $191K — Oregon $184K — California $181K — Missouri $180K — New Hampshire $179K — New Mexico $176K — New York $174K — Wisconsin $174K — Tennessee $174K $65K - $227K Connecticut $172K — North Carolina $171K — Texas $170K — Kentucky $169K — New Jersey $169K — Virginia $164K — Maryland $164K $101K - $211K Massachusetts $154K $92K - $222K District of Columbia $153K $83K - $192K Colorado $145K $109K - $192K Ohio $136K $49K - $226K Utah $134K — Idaho $132K $81K - $203K Arkansas $132K $104K - $213K Georgia $132K — Illinois $131K $78K - $208K South Carolina $131K $102K - $222K Iowa $121K — Mississippi $121K $60K - $235K Washington $120K $67K - $224K Nevada $116K $85K - $156K Alabama $115K $69K - $223K Maine $115K $55K - $225K Indiana $110K $52K - $224K Michigan $108K $68K - $238K Oklahoma $85K $54K - $227K Delaware $83K — South Dakota $78K $51K - $173K Lower ($78K-$150K)Middle (~$150K)Higher ($150K-$223K) Highest Paying States 1.Minnesota$223K2.Florida$209K3.Pennsylvania$208K4.Arizona$191K5.Oregon$184K Lowest Paying States 1.South Dakota$78K2.Delaware$83K3.Oklahoma$85K4.Michigan$108K5.Indiana$110K Certifications, Training & Memberships Essential Ph.D. in Physics Accredited Universities Certification Advanced doctoral degree demonstrating deep specialization and capacity for original research contributions. Essential for independent research roles. Recommended Certified Health Physicist (CHP) American Academy of Health Physics Certification Credential for radiation safety and protection expertise. Valuable for physicists in medical or nuclear research environments. Helpful Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching Universities (e.g., University of Surrey) Course Training for effective teaching practices alongside research. Enhances skills for education-focused physicist roles. Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp Coursera or edX Bootcamp Practical training in computational tools for physics data analysis. Boosts efficiency in handling large datasets and simulations. Professional Memberships American Physical Society (APS) Membership American Physical Society Membership Professional network for staying updated on physics advancements via conferences and journals. Supports career development and collaborations. Work Environment Remote Work Hybrid (Remote + Office) Work Setting Traditional office / indoor Physical Activity Mostly sedentary Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction Schedule Standard work hours Your Skills & Attributes Skills & Competencies Matches (44) Judgment and Decision Making Good Match Instructing Good Match Programming Moderate Match Systems Analysis Moderate Match Written Comprehension Strong Match Frequently Asked Questions Is Physicist a good career? Physicist can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $143K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match. What degree do you need to become a Physicist? The typical education requirement for a Physicist is a Doctoral Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience. How long does it take to become a Physicist? Becoming a Physicist typically requires about 8-10 years of higher education (including undergraduate and graduate studies). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements. What is the work-life balance like for a Physicist? The work-life balance for a Physicist is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location. What is the job outlook for Physicist? The job outlook for Physicist is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization. Find Physicist Jobs Google Jobs (opens in new tab) Aggregated listings from across the web Search Physicist jobs Indeed (opens in new tab) One of the largest job search engines Search Physicist jobs LinkedIn (opens in new tab) Professional network job listings Search Physicist jobs Related Careers Use arrow keys or swipe to scroll through related career cards Education Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor Advises and assists students and other individuals on educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, and career planning through individual and group counseling sessions. Education Elementary School Teacher Teaches students in public or private elementary schools in a range of core subjects including reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, adapting instructional methods to meet the developmental needs of young learners. 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