Physicist

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Work Tasks

• Find out what makes energy move and how it reacts with matter
• Use their findings to make new materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment
• Do experiments with lasers, cyclotrons, telescopes, mass spectrometers, and other equipment
• Use theories to make advances in areas like nuclear energy and aerospace technology
• Work for aerospace firms, universities, the government, the auto industry, electronic equipment producers, engineering and energy companies
• Work with lasers, cyclotrons, telescopes, mass spectrometers, microwave devices, measuring instruments, computers, experimental products, and new ideas for possible future use

Salary, Size & Growth

• $103,000 average per year ($49.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (25,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.4% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in physics
• Employers Prefer: A Ph.D. degree
• Skills/Courses: A 4-year degree in physics includes courses in biology, chemistry, math, physics, and computer science.