Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
What it pays
Physicists earn a median of $82.81/hr — about $172,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $39.48/hr; the top 10% earn $131.79/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Physicists earn a median of $82.81/hr — about $172,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $39.48/hr; the top 10% earn $131.79/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 8.7% of physicists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a physicist make?
- The median pay is $82.81 per hour — roughly $172,000 a year, with the real range running from about $39.48/hr (10th percentile) to $131.79/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a physicist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
- What does a physicist actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.