What Do Physicist Do?
Physicist Example Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
A Day in the Life of a Physicist
- Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
- Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
- Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Physicist
When polled, Physicists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Space Physicist
- Optical Scientist
- Thermodynamic Physicist
- Molecular Spectroscopist
- Thermodynamicist
Is There Job Demand for Physicists?
There were about 17,900 jobs for Physicist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 1,700 positions for Physicist per year.
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Physicist
The typical yearly salary for Physicists is somewhere between $59,300 and $193,280.
Physicists who work in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Physicists in different U.S. states.
| 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Physicists Use?
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
How to Become a Physicist
Learn what Physicist education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Physicist?
Who Employs Physicists?
The table below shows the approximate number of Physicists employed by various industries.
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 > |
HealthcareDegreeSearch.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.
© HealthcareDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.