Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Common Job Titles
- Health Physicist
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Scientist
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Physicists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
21,340
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $80,020. 25th percentile: U.S. $117,450. 50th percentile: U.S. $166,290. 75th percentile: U.S. $210,260. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $80,020 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $239,200+ |
| Workers on average earn | $166,000 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Physics4.9/5
- Mathematics4.8/5
- Engineering and Technology4.5/5
- Computers and Electronics4.4/5
- English Language3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Photoshop
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Eclipse IDE
- Extensible markup language XML
- Git
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Azure software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- MySQL
- Oracle Database
- Oracle Java
- Perl
- Puppet
- Python
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- UNIX
Technology Skills
- Adobe Audition
- Aptech Systems GAUSS
- CERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAW
- CERN ROOT
- COMSOL Multiphysics
- Canu
- Criss Software XRF11
- Database application software
Tools & Equipment
- Accelerometers
- Analog frequency analyzers
- Analog sound level meters
- Analytical balances
- Annealing furnaces
- Arbitrary function generators
- Argon ion lasers
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers