Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Employment and Wages

• Total Employment: 10,560
• Average Annual Salary: $115,519
• Average Hourly Rate: $55.54

Hourly Wage Distribution

Projections

• Total Employment (2010): 18,300
• Total Employment Projected (2020): 20,900
• Percent Job Growth: 14.20%
• Percent That Are Self-Employed: (2010): 1%

Common Educational Backgrounds

• Post-Doctoral Training
• Doctoral Degree
• Master's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree

Common Tasks

• Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
• Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
• 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.
• Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
• Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.

Occupation Summary

• 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.
• Education
• 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).
• Job Training
• Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
• Examples
• These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include librarians, lawyers, aerospace engineers, wildlife biologists, school psychologists, surgeons, treasurers, and controllers.

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