Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
SOC: 19-2012.00
Common Job Titles
Health PhysicistPhysicistResearch ScientistScientist
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
| 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 PhotoshopAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareAutodesk AutoCADCC++Eclipse IDEExtensible markup language XMLGitJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordMySQLOracle DatabaseOracle JavaPerlPuppetPythonStructured query language SQLThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX
Technology Skills
Adobe AuditionAptech Systems GAUSSCERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAWCERN ROOTCOMSOL MultiphysicsCanuCriss Software XRF11Database application software
Tools & Equipment
AccelerometersAnalog frequency analyzersAnalog sound level metersAnalytical balancesAnnealing furnacesArbitrary function generatorsArgon ion lasersAtomic absorption AA spectrometers