Physicists

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Physicists study matter as small as subatomic particles and as large as black holes in the universe. Their research is used to develop new theories, technologies, and products.

Physicists do two kinds of research:

• Basic research
• Applied research

The goal of basic research is to expand our scientific knowledge. Physicists try to detect and measure phenomena that have not yet been observed. They develop scientific theories and test them.

Using the results of basic research, applied research physicists develop devices and products. These products are used in the fields of electronics, health care, energy, and communications.

Most research physicists plan and conduct experiments. Sometimes they design equipment to do their research. In most work settings, they direct and advise other staff in test procedures.

There are several subfields in physics:

• Astrophysicists study the properties of the universe
• Atomic physicists study atoms
• Condensed matter physicists study the structure of matter
• Medical physicists develop new medical technology
• Particle and nuclear physicists study atomic and subatomic particles
• Plasma physicists study plasmas

Physicists write proposals and apply for research grants. In addition, they report their findings in technical papers or journals. They often present research at conferences. Some physicists teach at the college or university level.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Astronomers
• Energy Engineers
• Fuel Cell Engineers
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Nanotechnologists
• University and College Teachers

Military careers

• Physical Scientists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to physicists.

• Observe the physical properties of matter and energy.
• Analyze the results of experiments.
• Write reports about findings
• Design and use equipment such as lasers and telescopes.
• Apply physical laws to problems in other areas, such as electronics, optics, and communications.
• Figure out practical ways to apply discoveries in different industries.

Common work activities

Physicists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Use computers
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Process information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Analyze data or information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop and build teams

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, physicists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate most often by e-mail, over the telephone, and in face-to-face discussions. They may write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Have a medium level of social interaction. They spend much of their time alone in the lab but they also interact with other physicists and scientists.
• Are responsible for the work performed by assistants.
• May work as part of a team of scientists.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work indoors.

Work performance

• Must be accurate and thorough in their work. Errors could cause equipment they designed not to work properly.
• Sometimes have to repeat the same mental tasks.
• Usually have the freedom to make decisions and set their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Sometimes must meet weekly and monthly deadlines, such as when teaching at a university.

Hours/travel

• Usually work regular business hours. However, those who are deeply involved in research may work longer hours.

Physical demands

Physicists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for physicists to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for physicists to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Physicists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Write computer programs.
• Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Astrophysics
• Biophysics
• Engineering Physics
• Physics

Other programs of study to consider

• Astronomy
• Geophysics and Seismology
• Health and Medical Physics

Training

To work as a physicist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in physical science; and
• have a doctoral degree (PhD) in physics.

Education after high school

Physicists need a doctoral degree (PhD) for most jobs, especially to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. Those with a master's degree in physics may qualify for jobs in applied research and development for manufacturing and health care companies.

In physics, you study optics, thermodynamics, and atomic physics. When working on a doctoral degree you focus on a specific area such as elementary particles or condensed matter.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in physics. Fewer offer advanced degrees.

Work experience

After completing a doctoral degree, many physicists work as postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). These university positions last for several years. Postdocs get experience working with other physicists. This research can lead to a teaching or research job at a university.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to physicists who have a master's degree or higher.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Physicists need a strong background in math and science. Try to take math through Trigonometry and science through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Probability and Statistics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers in research and development prefer physicists who have a PhD. Physicists may also need specific knowledge of the industry, such as optics or electronics. Employers prefer physicists who are detail-oriented and precise in their work. Physicists should also be patient and self-motivated. They should be flexible enough to work alone or with group research teams.

Many employers, especially in research, prefer to hire applicants with a PhD or at least a master's degree. Universities choose candidates based on their area of research and the quality of their published articles.

Tips

Courses in computer science, chemistry, electronics, or engineering will improve employment opportunities. Experience gained through internships or in related summer employment is beneficial. If possible, work during summer months at one of the national laboratories. Experience with applied research that is related to computer technology is helpful. Develop good written and oral communication skills as these are important for advancement in the field.

Costs to workers

Expenses may include reference books and travel costs to conferences. In addition, most physicists join one or more professional associations and pay annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Physicists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The level of education also makes a difference. Those who have a doctoral degree (PhD) earn the highest wages, followed by those who have a master's degree. Physicists who have only a bachelor's degree have the lowest wages.

Most physicists can expect benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Research and development firms
• Federal and state government agencies
• Colleges and universities

People trained to be physicists often have different job titles. Some physicists work in the information technology industry and are called computer software engineer or systems developer.

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong. Job growth will depend on the amount of money the government spends on physics-related research. It is expected that this spending will be flat in the next few years. Thus, only a few new jobs will be created and there will be a lot of competition for these jobs.

Competition for research jobs in colleges and universities is very strong. These jobs usually require several advanced degrees. More opportunities are available for high school science teachers.

Other resources

American Association for the Advancement of Science 
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005

American Chemical Society 
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.227.5558

American Geophysical Union 
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Institute of Physics 
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
301.209.3100

American Nuclear Society 
555 North Kensington Avenue
La Grange Park, IL 60526
800.323.3044
708.352.6611

American Physical Society 
1 Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
301.209.3200

Careers in Physics 

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Nuclear Medicine Physicists 

Physics Central--People in Physics 

Science Careers 

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Physicists (19-2012.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Electro-optical Engineer (023.061-010) 
• Health Physicist (015.021-010) 
• Physicist (023.061-014) 
• Physicist, Theoretical (023.067-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Physicist

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Artistic

COPSystem

• Science Professional