Physicist

Your Fit

Income

$156K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Physicist?

A Physicist is a scientist who studies the principles and laws governing energy and matter and applies this knowledge in various fields, from fundamental research to practical applications. They explore and identify basic principles governing the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interactions between these forces.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Physicist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Physicist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$81K per year	$113K per year	$156K per year	$186K per year	$233K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $108K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Physicist do?

Work environment

Physicists commonly work in research settings, which can include universities, government laboratories, and private sector research facilities. Their environment may range from offices for theoretical work to laboratories for experimental work, and they often utilize advanced scientific equipment.

Quick task list

Conducts research to explore and understand physical phenomena.
Develops theories based on observations and experiments.
Uses mathematical models to predict physical outcomes.
Publishes research findings in scientific journals.
Collaborates with scientists in other fields to apply physical principles.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Astrophysics: Study of the physical properties and behavior of celestial bodies.
Particle Physics: Focus on the properties of subatomic particles and the fundamental forces of nature.
Condensed Matter Physics: Exploration of the physical properties of solids and liquids.
Nuclear Physics: Study of the constituents and interactions of atomic nuclei.
Theoretical Physics: Development of mathematical models to explain physical phenomena.

Description

Physicists are deeply involved in uncovering the mysteries of the universe, from the smallest particle to the vastness of space. They conduct experiments and develop theories to understand the laws of nature, often pushing the boundaries of what is known. This requires a blend of creativity, analytical skills, and profound knowledge of mathematics and scientific principles.

Their work is often interdisciplinary, intersecting with fields like chemistry, engineering, and biology. This collaboration expands the reach of their research, allowing for new technologies and methodologies to emerge.

Being a physicist requires dedication and a long-term commitment to education and research. It's a field that demands patience, as significant discoveries can take years. The work can be both intellectually demanding and exhilarating, as it offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking scientific advancements.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being at the forefront of scientific discovery and understanding.
Intellectual stimulation and the continuous challenge of solving complex problems.
The potential for practical applications of research that can have a real-world impact.

You might make a good Physicist if you are...

Intrigued by fundamental scientific questions and enjoy problem-solving.
Detail-oriented and patient, with a willingness to engage in long-term research projects.
Proficient in mathematics and analytical thinking.
Able to work both independently on your research and collaboratively in a team.
Creative in thinking about new ways to approach scientific questions.

Pros:

Involvement in cutting-edge research and scientific discovery.
Diverse opportunities across various industries and research fields.
High level of intellectual fulfillment and continuous learning.

Cons:

Long educational path and highly competitive field.
Potential for high-pressure environments, especially in academia or competitive research sectors.
Research funding can be uncertain and may influence project continuity.

How to become a Physicist

Typical education

Typically, Physicists need a Ph.D. in Physics, which can take 5-7 years post-bachelor's degree to complete. Some entry-level roles in applied research or development may be available with a master's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physics and Advanced Mathematics for foundational knowledge.
Chemistry to understand different scientific principles.
Computer Science for developing skills in data analysis and modeling.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Science clubs or competitions like Science Olympiad.
Attending science-focused summer camps or workshops.
Participating in projects or internships related to scientific research.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an undergraduate degree in physics or a related field.
Engage in undergraduate research opportunities to gain practical experience.
Consider graduate studies in physics for advanced research and academic opportunities.

More resources

American Physical Society (APS) - Professional organization offering resources and information for physicists.
Physics Today - A magazine providing updates on the latest in the world of physics.
The Institute of Physics (IOP) - Offers career support and resources for those in the physics field.
ArXiv.org - An open-access resource for research papers in physics and related fields.
Physics World - Provides news, views, and information for the global physics community.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.