What Does it Take to Be a Physicist?
Position Description Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Daily Life Of a Physicist
- Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Observe 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.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Physicist?
Below is a list of the skills most Physicists say are important on the job.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Physicist Jobs
- Rocket Scientist
- Electro Optical Engineer
- Aerophysicist
- Electro-Optical Engineer
- Nuclear Spectroscopist
Physicist Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 17,900 jobs in the United States for Physicist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,600 new jobs for Physicist by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Physicist are Arizona, Idaho, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in North Dakota, New Hampshire, or Nebraska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Physicist Make?
Physicists make between $59,300 and $193,280 a year.
Physicists who work in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.
How much do Physicists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $133,930 |
| Arizona | $134,390 |
| California | $115,970 |
| Colorado | $106,490 |
| District of Columbia | $144,300 |
| Florida | $143,370 |
| Georgia | $122,040 |
| Hawaii | $126,480 |
| Idaho | $114,230 |
| Illinois | $114,320 |
| Iowa | $123,140 |
| Louisiana | $143,000 |
| Maine | $121,650 |
| Maryland | $120,450 |
| Massachusetts | $150,170 |
| Michigan | $106,650 |
| Minnesota | $155,140 |
| Mississippi | $101,420 |
| Missouri | $114,890 |
| New Hampshire | $130,150 |
| New Jersey | $134,280 |
| New Mexico | $149,910 |
| New York | $138,920 |
| North Carolina | $143,070 |
| Ohio | $122,370 |
| Oklahoma | $164,190 |
| Oregon | $124,410 |
| Pennsylvania | $137,060 |
| South Carolina | $129,860 |
| Tennessee | $124,950 |
| Texas | $118,300 |
| Utah | $129,480 |
| Vermont | $111,080 |
| Virginia | $108,440 |
| Washington | $110,710 |
| Wisconsin | $150,670 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Physicists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Physicists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Extensible markup language XML
- UNIX
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- C
Becoming a Physicist
Individuals working as a Physicist have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Physicists Sector
Below are examples of industries where Physicists work:
References:
Image Credit: A. T. Service via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.