Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

On the job, you would:

Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Physicists and astronomers must evaluate their work and the work of others to avoid errors that could invalidate their research.

Communication skills. Physicists and astronomers present their research at conferences, to the public, and to others. They also write technical reports for publication and write proposals for research funding.

Critical-thinking skills. Physicists and astronomers need to think logically in carrying out scientific experiments and studies. They must determine whether results and conclusions are accurate.

Interpersonal skills. Physicists and astronomers must collaborate with others and therefore need to work well with team members and colleagues.

Math skills. Physicists and astronomers do calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of math. They must express their research in mathematical terms.

Problem-solving skills. Physicists and astronomers use scientific observation and analysis, as well as creative thinking, to solve problems. For example, they may need to redesign their approach and find alternatives when an experiment or theory fails to produce the desired result.

Self-discipline. Physicists and astronomers need to be motivated, since their work may require them to focus on large datasets for long periods.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		88%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		87%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		87%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		85%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		83%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		80%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		77%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		77%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		70%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		65%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		63%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		62%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		61%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		52%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		89%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		86%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		83%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		83%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		94%	Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
		81%	Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
		81%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		78%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		78%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		78%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
		78%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		78%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		78%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		75%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		75%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		72%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		72%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		72%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		72%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		66%	Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
		60%	Speed of Closure - The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
		60%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
		56%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		84%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		82%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		79%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		79%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		71%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		71%	Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
		70%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		70%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		68%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		68%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		66%	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
		64%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		57%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		57%	Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
		55%	Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
		55%	Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
		52%	Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
		52%	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.

Analyze geological or geographical data.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

Operate laboratory or field equipment.

Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

Develop new or advanced products or production methods.

Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.

Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.

Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.

Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		98%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		91%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		88%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		86%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		84%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		78%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		70%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		68%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		65%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		63%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		60%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		58%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		56%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		53%	Public Speaking - How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
		51%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		71%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		90%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		89%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		88%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		85%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		84%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		84%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		82%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		79%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		78%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		76%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		71%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		70%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		69%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		68%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		67%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		66%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		64%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		64%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		59%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		59%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		58%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		55%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		52%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

What Physicists and Astronomers Do

Physicists plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and to discover properties of matter and energy.

Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.

Duties

Physicists and astronomers typically do the following:

Develop scientific theories and models to explain the properties of the natural world, such as the force of gravity or the formation of subatomic particles
Plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and discover properties of matter and energy
Write proposals and apply for research funding
Do mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data, such as for new material properties or the existence of planets in distant solar systems
Design new scientific equipment, such as telescopes and lasers
Develop computer software to analyze and model data
Write scientific papers for publication
Present research findings at conferences and lectures

Physicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter. They may study theory, design and perform experiments, or apply their knowledge in developing materials or equipment.

Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Some astronomers study distant galaxies and phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars. Others monitor space debris that could interfere with satellite operations.

Many physicists and astronomers work in applied research. They use their knowledge to develop technology or solve problems in areas such as energy storage, electronics, communications, and navigation. Others work in basic research to develop theories that explain concepts such as what gravity is or how the universe was formed.

Astronomers and physicists typically work on research teams with engineers, technicians, and other scientists. Senior astronomers and physicists may assign tasks to other team members and monitor their progress. They also may need to find and apply for research funding.

Experimental physicists develop equipment or sensors to study properties of matter, create theories, and test theories through experiments. Theoretical and computational physicists develop concepts that predict properties of materials or describe unexplained results. Although all of physics involves the same fundamental principles, physicists generally specialize in one of many subfields. The following are examples of physicist job titles:

Atomic, molecular, and optical physicists study atoms, simple molecules, electrons, and light and the interactions among them. Some look for ways to control the states of individual atoms, because such control might allow for further miniaturization or might contribute toward developing new materials or technology.

Computational physicists study the use of algorithms, numerical analysis, and datasets to explore the interaction between theoretical and experimental physics. They explore complex phenomena in atoms, molecules, plasmas, and high-energy particles; problems in astrophysics; and applied phenomena, such as traffic, the behavior of oceans, and biological dynamics.

Condensed matter and materials physicists study the physical properties of matter in molecules, nanostructures, or novel compounds. They study a wide range of phenomena, such as superconductivity, liquid crystals, sensors, and nanomachines.

Health physicists study the effects of radiation on people, communities, and the environment. They manage the beneficial use of radiation while protecting workers and the public from potential hazards posed by radiation.

Medical physicists work in healthcare and use their knowledge of physics to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. For example, some develop safer radiation therapies for cancer patients. Others develop improved imaging technologies for radiant energy, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging.

Particle and nuclear physicists study the properties of atomic and subatomic particles, such as quarks, electrons, and nuclei and the forces that cause their interactions.

Plasma physicists study plasmas, a distinct state of matter that occur naturally in stars and interplanetary space and artificially in products such as neon signs and fluorescent lights. These physicists may study ways to create fusion reactors as a potential energy source.

Quantum information physicists study ways to use quantum objects, such as atoms and photons, to probe information processing, computing, and cryptography. They focus on ways to use the fundamental nature of quantum mechanics and its associated uncertainties.

Unlike physicists, astronomers cannot experiment on their subjects, which are so far away that they cannot be touched or interacted with. Therefore, astronomers generally make observations or work on theory. Observational astronomers view celestial objects and collect data on them. Theoretical astronomers analyze, model, and speculate about systems and how they work and evolve. The following are examples of astronomer job titles:

Cosmologists and extragalactic/galactic, planetary, and stellar astronomers study the creation, evolution, and possible futures of the universe and its galaxies, stars, planets, and solar systems. These astronomers develop and test concepts, such as string theory and dark-matter and dark-energy theories, and study models of galactic and stellar evolution, planetary formation, and interactions between stars.

Optical and radio astronomers use optical, radio, and gravitational-wave telescopes to study the motions and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the larger scale structure of the universe.

Physicists also may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics. For more information, see the profiles on biochemists and biophysicists and geoscientists.

People who have a background in physics or astronomy also may become professors or teachers. For more information, see the profiles on high school teachers and postsecondary teachers.

Work Environment

Astronomers held about 2,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of astronomers were as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	48%
Federal government, excluding postal service	21
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	20

Physicists held about 21,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of physicists were as follows:

Scientific research and development services	41%
Federal government, excluding postal service	16
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	14
Ambulatory healthcare services	3

The scientific research and development services industry includes both private and federally funded national laboratories, such as those overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition to NASA, other federal agencies that employ physicists and astronomers include the U.S. Department of Defense.

Although physics research often requires working in laboratories, physicists also spend time outside of the lab to plan, analyze, fundraise, and report on research.

Most astronomers work in offices and occasionally visit observatories, buildings that house ground-based telescopes used to observe natural phenomenon and gather data. Some astronomers work full time in observatories.

Some physicists and astronomers work temporarily at national or international facilities that have unique equipment, such as particle accelerators and gamma ray telescopes. They also travel to meetings to present research results and learn about developments in their field.

Work Schedules

Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Astronomers may need to do observation work at night. However, astronomers typically visit observatories only a few times per year.

Getting Started

Education:

49%

Doctoral Degree

39%

Post-Doctoral Training

How to Become a Physicist or Astronomer

Astronomers study planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.

Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics.

Education

A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field is typically required for jobs in research or academia.

Graduate students may concentrate in a subfield of physics or astronomy, such as condensed matter physics or cosmology. In addition to coursework in physics or astronomy, Ph.D. students need to take courses in math, such as calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. Computer science also may be useful for developing programs to gather, analyze, and model data.

A bachelor’s degree in physical science or a related field, such as engineering, usually is required to enter a graduate program in physics or astronomy. Undergraduate physics programs typically include courses such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.

Undergraduate students may choose to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience. The American Astronomical Society has a directory of internships for astronomy students, and the American Physical Society lists internships for physics students.

Jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in physics usually are qualified to work as technicians and research assistants in related fields, such as engineering and computer science. Those with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy also may qualify to work as an assistant at an observatory. Students who do not want to continue their studies to the doctoral level may want to take courses in instrument building and computer science.

Master’s degree and bachelor’s degree holders may be eligible for jobs in the federal government. Others may become science teachers in middle schools or high schools.

Training

Physics and astronomy Ph.D. holders who seek employment as researchers may begin their careers in a postdoctoral research position, typically for 2 to 3 years. Senior scientists supervise these researchers as they gain experience and independence doing increasingly complex tasks.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Some positions with the federal government, such as those involving nuclear energy, may require applicants to be U.S. citizens and hold a security clearance.

Advancement

With experience, physicists and astronomers may gain greater independence in their work and advance to senior positions. Experience also may lead to tenure for those in university positions. Some physicists and astronomers advance to become natural sciences managers.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Deep space telescope operations and special off-planet missions may require additional astronomers and physicists over the projections decade. However, federal spending is the primary source of physics- and astronomy-related research funds, especially for basic research. Therefore, budgetary concerns may limit access by these workers to funding for basic research.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about astronomy careers and for a listing of colleges and universities offering astronomy programs, visit

American Astronomical Society

For a listing of colleges and universities offering physics programs, visit

Physics Careers Resource

For more information about physics careers and education, visit

American Institute of Physics

American Physical Society

For information about internship programs, visit

American Astronomical Society

American Physical Society

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physicists and astronomers.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Biochemists and Biophysicists	Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.	Doctoral or professional degree	$103,810
Chemists and Materials Scientists	Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.	Bachelor's degree	$81,810
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.	Master's degree	$136,620
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.	Bachelor's degree	$132,360
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.	Bachelor's degree	$104,610
Geoscientists	Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.	Bachelor's degree	$87,480
Materials Engineers	Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products.	Bachelor's degree	$100,140
Mathematicians and Statisticians	Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.	Master's degree	$99,960
Nuclear Engineers	Nuclear engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.	Bachelor's degree	$122,480
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840

Physicists

Physicist or Astronomer

What they do: