Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Also called: Aerophysicist, Astrophysicist, Atmospheric Physicist, Biophysics Scientist, Cloud Physicist, Computational Physicist
Median pay
$172,250
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$82,110 – $274,110
People employed
20,430
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 6.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
Physicists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (42 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What physicists do
- 01Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- 02Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
- 03Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- 04Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- 05Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
- 06Observe 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.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from physicists
- Mathematicians81% · −26%
- Biochemists and Biophysicists79% · −26%
- Computer and Information Research Scientists79% · −19%
- Nanosystems Engineers74% · group pay
- Computer Hardware Engineers74% · −6%
Change into physicists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mathematicians91% · $126,710
- Biochemists and Biophysicists86% · $127,410
- Computer and Information Research Scientists80% · $140,300
- Bioinformatics Scientists79% · $98,920
- Nanosystems Engineers78% · $122,930
Majors that lead here
- Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
- Astrophysics
- Physics, General
- Atomic/Molecular Physics
- Elementary Particle Physics
- Plasma and High-Temperature Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Optics/Optical Sciences
- Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
- Acoustics
- Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
- Physics, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.