Education:
49%
Doctoral Degree
39%
Post-Doctoral Training
Physicists
This is a sub-career of
Physicist or Astronomer
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Job Outlook:
Faster than average
Education:
Doctoral or professional degree
Salary
High:
$219,760.00
Average:
$150,130.00
Hourly
Average:
$72.18
What they do:
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Physicists and astronomers must evaluate their work and the work of others to avoid errors that could invalidate their research.
Communication skills. Physicists and astronomers present their research at conferences, to the public, and to others. They also write technical reports for publication and write proposals for research funding.
Critical-thinking skills. Physicists and astronomers need to think logically in carrying out scientific experiments and studies. They must determine whether results and conclusions are accurate.
Interpersonal skills. Physicists and astronomers must collaborate with others and therefore need to work well with team members and colleagues.
Math skills. Physicists and astronomers do calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of math. They must express their research in mathematical terms.
Problem-solving skills. Physicists and astronomers use scientific observation and analysis, as well as creative thinking, to solve problems. For example, they may need to redesign their approach and find alternatives when an experiment or theory fails to produce the desired result.
Self-discipline. Physicists and astronomers need to be motivated, since their work may require them to focus on large datasets for long periods.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
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88% | Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. | |
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87% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
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87% | Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. | |
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85% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
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83% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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80% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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77% | Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. | |
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77% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. | |
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70% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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100% | Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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89% | Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
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86% | Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
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83% | Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
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83% | Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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94% | Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. | |
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81% | Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. | |
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81% | Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. | |
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78% | Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. | |
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78% | Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |
|
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78% | Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). | |
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78% | Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |
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78% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
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78% | Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). | |
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75% | Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). | |
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75% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. | |
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75% | Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |
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72% | Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. | |
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72% | Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |
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72% | Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. | |
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72% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |
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66% | Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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84% | Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. | |
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82% | Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. | |
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79% | Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. | |
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79% | Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems. | |
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71% | Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. | |
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71% | Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. | |
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70% | Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. | |
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70% | Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. | |
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68% | Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. | |
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68% | Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively. | |
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66% | Instructing - Teaching others how to do something. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
Analyze geological or geographical data.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Operate laboratory or field equipment.
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.
Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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98% | Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job? | |
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91% | Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting? | |
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88% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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86% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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84% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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78% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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70% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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68% | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? | |
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65% | Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? | |
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71% | Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
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90% | Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. | |
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89% | Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. | |
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88% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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85% | Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. | |
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84% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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84% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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82% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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79% | Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. | |
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78% | Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. | |
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76% | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. | |
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71% | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. | |
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70% | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. | |
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69% | Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. | |
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68% | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. | |
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67% | Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. | |
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66% | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
What Physicists and Astronomers Do
Physicists plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and to discover properties of matter and energy.
Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.
Duties
Physicists and astronomers typically do the following:
- Develop scientific theories and models to explain the properties of the natural world, such as the force of gravity or the formation of subatomic particles
- Plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and discover properties of matter and energy
- Write proposals and apply for research funding
- Do mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data, such as for new material properties or the existence of planets in distant solar systems
- Design new scientific equipment, such as telescopes and lasers
- Develop computer software to analyze and model data
- Write scientific papers for publication
- Present research findings at conferences and lectures
Physicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter. They may study theory, design and perform experiments, or apply their knowledge in developing materials or equipment.
Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Some astronomers study distant galaxies and phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars. Others monitor space debris that could interfere with satellite operations.
Many physicists and astronomers work in applied research. They use their knowledge to develop technology or solve problems in areas such as energy storage, electronics, communications, and navigation. Others work in basic research to develop theories that explain concepts such as what gravity is or how the universe was formed.
Astronomers and physicists typically work on research teams with engineers, technicians, and other scientists. Senior astronomers and physicists may assign tasks to other team members and monitor their progress. They also may need to find and apply for research funding.
Experimental physicists develop equipment or sensors to study properties of matter, create theories, and test theories through experiments. Theoretical and computational physicists develop concepts that predict properties of materials or describe unexplained results. Although all of physics involves the same fundamental principles, physicists generally specialize in one of many subfields. The following are examples of physicist job titles:
Atomic, molecular, and optical physicists study atoms, simple molecules, electrons, and light and the interactions among them. Some look for ways to control the states of individual atoms, because such control might allow for further miniaturization or might contribute toward developing new materials or technology.
Computational physicists study the use of algorithms, numerical analysis, and datasets to explore the interaction between theoretical and experimental physics. They explore complex phenomena in atoms, molecules, plasmas, and high-energy particles; problems in astrophysics; and applied phenomena, such as traffic, the behavior of oceans, and biological dynamics.
Condensed matter and materials physicists study the physical properties of matter in molecules, nanostructures, or novel compounds. They study a wide range of phenomena, such as superconductivity, liquid crystals, sensors, and nanomachines.
Health physicists study the effects of radiation on people, communities, and the environment. They manage the beneficial use of radiation while protecting workers and the public from potential hazards posed by radiation.
Medical physicists work in healthcare and use their knowledge of physics to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. For example, some develop safer radiation therapies for cancer patients. Others develop improved imaging technologies for radiant energy, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging.
Particle and nuclear physicists study the properties of atomic and subatomic particles, such as quarks, electrons, and nuclei and the forces that cause their interactions.
Plasma physicists study plasmas, a distinct state of matter that occur naturally in stars and interplanetary space and artificially in products such as neon signs and fluorescent lights. These physicists may study ways to create fusion reactors as a potential energy source.
Quantum information physicists study ways to use quantum objects, such as atoms and photons, to probe information processing, computing, and cryptography. They focus on ways to use the fundamental nature of quantum mechanics and its associated uncertainties.
Unlike physicists, astronomers cannot experiment on their subjects, which are so far away that they cannot be touched or interacted with. Therefore, astronomers generally make observations or work on theory. Observational astronomers view celestial objects and collect data on them. Theoretical astronomers analyze, model, and speculate about systems and how they work and evolve. The following are examples of astronomer job titles:
Cosmologists and extragalactic/galactic, planetary, and stellar astronomers study the creation, evolution, and possible futures of the universe and its galaxies, stars, planets, and solar systems. These astronomers develop and test concepts, such as string theory and dark-matter and dark-energy theories, and study models of galactic and stellar evolution, planetary formation, and interactions between stars.
Optical and radio astronomers use optical, radio, and gravitational-wave telescopes to study the motions and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the larger scale structure of the universe.
Physicists also may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics. For more information, see the profiles on biochemists and biophysicists and geoscientists.
People who have a background in physics or astronomy also may become professors or teachers. For more information, see the profiles on high school teachers and postsecondary teachers.
Work Environment
Astronomers held about 2,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of astronomers were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 48% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 21 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 20 |
Physicists held about 21,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of physicists were as follows:
| Scientific research and development services | 41% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 16 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 14 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 3 |
The scientific research and development services industry includes both private and federally funded national laboratories, such as those overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition to NASA, other federal agencies that employ physicists and astronomers include the U.S. Department of Defense.
Although physics research often requires working in laboratories, physicists also spend time outside of the lab to plan, analyze, fundraise, and report on research.
Most astronomers work in offices and occasionally visit observatories, buildings that house ground-based telescopes used to observe natural phenomenon and gather data. Some astronomers work full time in observatories.
Some physicists and astronomers work temporarily at national or international facilities that have unique equipment, such as particle accelerators and gamma ray telescopes. They also travel to meetings to present research results and learn about developments in their field.
Work Schedules
Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Astronomers may need to do observation work at night. However, astronomers typically visit observatories only a few times per year.
Getting Started
How to Become a Physicist or Astronomer
Astronomers study planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics.
Education
A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field is typically required for jobs in research or academia.
Graduate students may concentrate in a subfield of physics or astronomy, such as condensed matter physics or cosmology. In addition to coursework in physics or astronomy, Ph.D. students need to take courses in math, such as calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. Computer science also may be useful for developing programs to gather, analyze, and model data.
A bachelor’s degree in physical science or a related field, such as engineering, usually is required to enter a graduate program in physics or astronomy. Undergraduate physics programs typically include courses such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.
Undergraduate students may choose to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience. The American Astronomical Society has a directory of internships for astronomy students, and the American Physical Society lists internships for physics students.
Jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in physics usually are qualified to work as technicians and research assistants in related fields, such as engineering and computer science. Those with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy also may qualify to work as an assistant at an observatory. Students who do not want to continue their studies to the doctoral level may want to take courses in instrument building and computer science.
Master’s degree and bachelor’s degree holders may be eligible for jobs in the federal government. Others may become science teachers in middle schools or high schools.
Training
Physics and astronomy Ph.D. holders who seek employment as researchers may begin their careers in a postdoctoral research position, typically for 2 to 3 years. Senior scientists supervise these researchers as they gain experience and independence doing increasingly complex tasks.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some positions with the federal government, such as those involving nuclear energy, may require applicants to be U.S. citizens and hold a security clearance.
Advancement
With experience, physicists and astronomers may gain greater independence in their work and advance to senior positions. Experience also may lead to tenure for those in university positions. Some physicists and astronomers advance to become natural sciences managers.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Deep space telescope operations and special off-planet missions may require additional astronomers and physicists over the projections decade. However, federal spending is the primary source of physics- and astronomy-related research funds, especially for basic research. Therefore, budgetary concerns may limit access by these workers to funding for basic research.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about astronomy careers and for a listing of colleges and universities offering astronomy programs, visit
For a listing of colleges and universities offering physics programs, visit
For more information about physics careers and education, visit
For information about internship programs, visit
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physicists and astronomers.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Biochemists and Biophysicists |
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $103,810 |
|
Chemists and Materials Scientists |
Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge. |
Bachelor's degree | $81,810 |
|
Computer and Information Research Scientists |
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. |
Master's degree | $136,620 |
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. |
Bachelor's degree | $132,360 |
|
Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. |
Bachelor's degree | $104,610 |
|
Geoscientists |
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. |
Bachelor's degree | $87,480 |
|
Materials Engineers |
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products. |
Bachelor's degree | $100,140 |
|
Mathematicians and Statisticians |
Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems. |
Master's degree | $99,960 |
|
Nuclear Engineers |
Nuclear engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal. |
Bachelor's degree | $122,480 |
|
Postsecondary Teachers |
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. |
See How to Become One | $80,840 |