Careers · Explore one path
Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Other titles employers use
Biophysics Scientist · Health Physicist · Medical Physicist · Physicist · Research Consultant · Research Physicist · Research Scientist · Scientist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, practical and organizing work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Subjects to know
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Number Facility
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.5 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 1.8 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.4 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 1.8 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a doctorate or a professional degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A doctorate or professional degree 96%
- A four-year degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Development environment software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Operating system software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Expert system software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 6,000
- Job openings each year
- 390
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 11.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 6,000 | 390 | 11.1% |
| Maryland | 1,510 | 100 | 7.1% |
| Colorado | 1,360 | 90 | 17.2% |
| Illinois | 1,310 | 90 | 12.9% |
| New York | 1,280 | 20 | 16.4% |
| Washington | 1,050 | 100 | 31.3% |
| Virginia | 980 | 60 | 4.3% |
| New Mexico | 840 | 60 | 12.0% |
| District of Columbia | 810 | 50 | — |
| Texas | 700 | 50 | 14.8% |
| Ohio | 630 | 40 | 5.0% |
| Michigan | 540 | 30 | 3.8% |
| Pennsylvania | 440 | 30 | 4.8% |
| North Carolina | 400 | 30 | 14.3% |
| Tennessee | 380 | 30 | 15.2% |
| Indiana | 290 | 20 | 7.4% |
| New Jersey | 240 | 20 | 9.1% |
| Arizona | 230 | 10 | 15.0% |
| Florida | 220 | 20 | 15.8% |
| Georgia | 220 | 20 | 15.8% |
| Wisconsin | 190 | 10 | 18.8% |
| Massachusetts | 180 | 10 | 5.9% |
| Alabama | 170 | 10 | — |
| Idaho | 130 | 10 | 18.2% |
| Oregon | 130 | 10 | 18.2% |
| Missouri | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| New Hampshire | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| South Carolina | 70 | 0 | — |
| Connecticut | 60 | 0 | — |
| Iowa | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Kentucky | 60 | 0 | — |
| Mississippi | 60 | 0 | — |
| Utah | 60 | 0 | 50.0% |
| Rhode Island | 50 | 0 | — |
| Maine | 40 | 0 | −20.0% |
| Nebraska | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of California-Santa Barbara
- Degrees each year
- 183
- Admit rate
- 28%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Degrees each year
- 460
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 369
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of California-Irvine
- Degrees each year
- 478
- Admit rate
- 26%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
The University of Texas at Austin
- Degrees each year
- 422
- Admit rate
- 29%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
University of Maryland-College Park
- Degrees each year
- 504
- Admit rate
- 45%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of California-San Diego
- Degrees each year
- 401
- Admit rate
- 25%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of Arizona
- Degrees each year
- 294
- Admit rate
- 86%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000