Physicists
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Days go to analyzing experimental data, running complex calculations on computers, and putting observations into mathematical terms. Computer simulations are designed so physical data is easier to understand, research proposals are written to seek funding, and results appear in journal papers or conference talks. Teaching physics to students is part of the job for many. The work stays close to observation, experiment, and theory, with a heavy load of math and careful reasoning. It suits people who like precise calculation, scientific problem-solving, and explaining findings in clear writing and speech.
Typical education: Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D.)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$172'250
Median Wage Market Position
$172'250
What you might do
- Examine experimental data on physical phenomena
- Run complex calculations to evaluate findings
- Put observations into mathematical form
- Design simulations that model physical processes
- Publish results in journals and at conferences
- Teach physics to students
Skills that matter
- Running complex calculations on computers
- Analyzing data on physical phenomena
- Putting observations into mathematical terms
- Designing simulations of physical data
- Writing proposals to fund research
- Teaching physics to students
AI & the future of this role
Theory drafting, simulation, and large dataset analysis are areas AI tools might absorb more of over time. Designing decisive experiments, validating results, and framing new physical insight still depend on expert judgment.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details