Physicist

About this occupation

Physicists are scientists who study physical phenomena. They focus their research depending on their specialisation, which can range from atomic particle physics to the study of phenomena in the universe. They apply their findings for the improvement of society by contributing to the development of energy supplies, treatment of illness, game development, cutting-edge equipment, and daily use objects.

• Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
• Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
• Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
• Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
• Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
• 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.

Typical education (US)

Doctoral Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 5 of 5

Interests

Investigative, Realistic, Conventional

Top skills: Science, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Mathematics, Active Learning

US median pay: US$172,250 a year (2025), 20,430 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsExtremely important (4.9)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsExtremely important (4.9)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.1)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.5)
• ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.0)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Doctoral Degree

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.