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This question is about scientist salaries.
What is the highest-paid scientist?
Physicists are the highest-paid scientists. The types of jobs available to physicists largely depend on the level of education attained.
To do basic research, physicists typically need to have a Ph.D. with a focus on one particular subfield. These individuals often also teach at collegiate or university-level institutions. Some physicists might even advance into management roles.
People with only a master's degree may be able to find work in manufacturing or applied research and development fields. They could also potentially teach at two-year colleges or secondary schools
Bachelor's degrees qualify students for work as research assistants or software development or engineering technicians.
The following earnings figures are provided by the Department of Labor:
Physicists make a mean hourly wage of $63.02 and an annual wage of $131,080
Low medians range from $30.03 to $62,470 per year
High end reaches over $97.11 an hour or over $201,990 per year
Incomes for physicists differ depending on their location. For example:
In California, physicists earn an average wage of $58.98 per hour
In Kansas, physicists can earn a mean hourly salary of $87.11
The US Department of Labor predicts that the demand for physicists will grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028. This is due largely in part to government spending, particularly on basic research projects.
Prospects will be best for individuals with advanced research and development skills, but there has been a recent boost in the number of physics doctorates.
Physics degrees at any level will provide prospects, as long as they are not bound to the title of physicist. Many of the open opportunities will have various titles such as computer scientist, engineer, or high school instructor.
Physicists will continue to be the best-paid science job in the country for a few years.
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