Physicist
A physicist is a scientist who investigates the fundamental laws governing the physical universe, focusing on the behavior of matter and energy. Their work often involves designing and conducting experiments that range from studying subatomic particles to understanding cosmic phenomena. Physicists typically work in various environments, including laboratories, universities, and research institutions, and may also engage in teaching at the secondary or collegiate level. A career in physics requires a strong foundation in mathematics and science, often necessitating advanced education culminating in a doctoral degree.
The average yearly earnings for physicists are around $149,530, and the field is projected to grow at a rate faster than average. Physicists engage in diverse specialties, including atomic physics, astrophysics, and quantum mechanics, and they often collaborate with other scientists and professionals, utilizing cutting-edge technology and equipment. Their typical responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, writing research papers, and applying for grants. Overall, a career in physics is ideal for those with a passion for inquiry and experimentation, who enjoy exploring the mysteries of the physical world.
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Subject Terms
Physicist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Science, mathematics, designing and performing experiments, data analysis, numerical data
Earnings (Yearly Median): $149,530 per year $71.89 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 5% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Physicists research and explore the scientific laws that govern the behavior of the physical world. They design and perform experiments to study matter, energy, and the interaction of physical forces. The scope of their inquiry ranges from the smallest subatomic particles to the large forces governing the universe.
Physicists work for public and private research institutions, including universities, national space and defense agencies, and corporations engaged in primary or applied physics research. Physicists also teach in high schools, colleges, and universities.
Work Environment. A laboratory is the central workplace of a physicist. Laboratories vary in size, ranging from small individual laboratories to large international research facilities. Bigger laboratories house large equipment such as linear accelerators and space telescopes. Physicists plan and analyze their experiments in offices. They also work in an office setting when writing about their research and applying for grants. Physicists employed as teachers spend a considerable amount of time in classrooms. They also lead student experiments in laboratories. Physicists often work in teams that include specialists from other scientific disciplines.
Occupation Interest. Physics appeals to individuals who like to design, build, and perform physical experiments. A physicist must also have a good grasp of science and mathematics. Physicists have curious, inquisitive minds and like to articulate new questions about the rules of the physical environment and the universe. Aspiring physicists should be prepared for a long academic career, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral work.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The day-to-day work of a physicist typically involves conducting experiments and analyzing data. Physicists work regularly with other scientists, technicians, and engineers to design and implement experiments. While some physics experiments employ simple designs, others involve complex computer models and extensive scientific apparatuses. Once an experiment has been conducted, physicists perform data analysis, in which they and their colleagues pore over data generated by the experiment and attempt to interpret the results. While experiments occur in laboratories, data analysis is often conducted in an office environment.
Physicists in a high school or academic setting spend much of their time in classrooms, conducting lectures and monitoring student experiments. They also attend seminars and spend time grading student work. More experienced physicists spend some of their time conducting administrative tasks, including writing grant applications, academic articles, and research reports. Physicists involved in larger projects with teams of other researchers often travel to different locations around the world to conduct their work. However, some physics experiments can be conducted live or recorded on a digital feed, allowing the data to be analyzed and interpreted by scientists working in different locations and different time zones.
Physicists work in a variety of fields and specialties, including atomic physics, astronomy, astrophysics, biophysics, and mathematical physics. Other disciplines include nonlinear dynamics, quantum field theory, relativity, and cosmology.
Theoretical Physicists. Theoretical physicists design, conceive, and interpret experiments in physics and formulate theories consistent with obtained data. They analyze the results of experiments that are designed to detect and measure previously unobserved physical phenomena.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Physicists spend an equal amount of time in the laboratory and in the office, generally in urban or suburban environments. Those employed as teachers spend most of their time in schools and classrooms. Some academic positions may be located in rural settings.
Human Environment. Physicists often work in teams with other scientists. They also interact with nonscientists, such as politicians and education administrators, to acquire funding for their work, so good interpersonal skills are invaluable.
Technological Environment. Physicists work with cutting-edge technology, often devising innovative solutions for their experiments. They work at the forefront of scientific progress, using powerful computer systems and advanced software. Physicists also use a variety of laboratory equipment, including telescopes, amplifiers, chemical processors, spectrometers, and video equipment.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Students interested in physics should enroll in science and mathematics classes. Classes in physics, applied physics, chemistry, and electronics are essential, as are math classes such as algebra, applied mathematics, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics. If possible, students should enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students should conduct as many experiments as they can and spend as much time in the laboratory as possible. Writing and reading skills are also important, as physicists are routinely required to write reports, apply for funding, and communicate their findings. In addition to their coursework, students interested in physics should consider attending science camps and participating in science clubs.
Postsecondary. A person interested in a career as a physicist should be prepared to pursue the field through the doctoral level. Aspiring physicists should earn a bachelor’s degree in physics or a related science such as astrophysics. Key courses include classical and quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and electromagnetism. A double major in mathematics can be helpful. A bachelor’s degree only qualifies a person to become a physics technician or research assistant. A job as a secondary or high school physics teacher is also possible, but opportunities for employment and career advancement in academia are greater for those with a master’s degree.
Physics graduate students usually specialize in a subfield of the science, such as particle physics, medical physics, or optical physics. A master’s degree in physics can improve a candidate’s eligibility for jobs in academia and various positions in applied physics research and development in the corporate world. However, successful doctoral program completion is required for those seeking to conduct research at the top level.
In the United States, approximately 190 universities and colleges offer doctoral programs in physics. Doctoral students spend five to seven years doing coursework and conducting research before earning a PhD in physics. Typically, those who earn their PhD spend two to three additional years training in a postdoctoral position, deepening their understanding of their specialty through work with senior physicists.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-2012 Physicists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192012.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Physicists and Astronomers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.