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Job outlook for nuclear physicists in the United States
Are nuclear physicist jobs in demand?
Nuclear physicist job and salary trends over time
Nuclear physicist jobs over time
Nuclear physicist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 189 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 152 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 157 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 166 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 157 | 0.00% |
Average nuclear physicist salary over time
Nuclear physicist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $67,213 | $32.31 | +5.7% |
| 2025 | $63,590 | $30.57 | +1.6% |
| 2024 | $62,607 | $30.10 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $61,509 | $29.57 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $59,977 | $28.84 | +3.8% |
Nuclear physicist jobs by state
Most common states for nuclear physicists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 88 | 3% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 22 | 3% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 19 | 3% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 18 | 3% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 18 | 3% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 48 | 2% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 22 | 2% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 22 | 2% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 18 | 2% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 18 | 2% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 18 | 2% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 17 | 2% |
| 13 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 12 | 2% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 62 | 1% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 58 | 1% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 57 | 1% |
| 17 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 36 | 1% |
| 18 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 26 | 1% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 25 | 1% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 22 | 1% |
Most common cities for nuclear physicists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germantown | 2 | 2% | $97,750 |
Nuclear Physicist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of nuclear physicist experts
Skyline College
University of Oregon
Northeastern University
SUNY College at Geneseo
University of Wisconsin - River Falls
California State University - Channel Islands
University of Rhode Island
Pennsylvania State University
Butler University
Texas State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
The University of Alabama
Texas State University
Case Western Reserve University
Merced College
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Youngmin Kim: Research and laboratory experience, or industry experience while training at school is crucial. I've had students who found 100k job straight out of college (B.S in Physics). Utilizing the network of the faculty and the program while in school could go a long way. I strongly suggest to my students to start making their portfolio now and apply and receive rejections as soon as possible! Such experience could provide good reality check and practical feedback to better utilize their time at school. Make a linkedin profile. Study job postings, fill in the gaps existing in their current portfolio, practice interviews, and be good at understanding undergra physics as there are foundational in so many STEM sectors.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Youngmin Kim: Currently, we hear shortages of qualified workforce all across STEM disciplines, in core industry and national labs alike. Quantum, AI, Machine Learning, Semiconductors, Optics and Photonics are among the keywords which require many folds more highly skilled workforce. Due to the boomer's mass retirements, these sectors are seeking also mid, high-level management positions as well as entry positions. I think having an 'old school' attitude/mentality to go where the job calls, and to adapt to whatever the job needs me more than what I want (from my fist job), could go a long way.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Youngmin Kim: Research and laboratory experience, or industry experience while training at school is crucial. I've had students who found 100k job straight out of college (B.S in Physics). Utilizing the network of the faculty and the program while in school could go a long way. I strongly suggest to my students to start making their portfolio now and apply and receive rejections as soon as possible! Such experience could provide good reality check and practical feedback to better utilize their time at school. Make a linkedin profile. Study job postings, fill in the gaps existing in their current portfolio, practice interviews, and be good at understanding undergra physics as there are foundational in so many STEM sectors.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Puskar Chapagain: Stay curious and inquisitive: Cultivate a mindset of curiosity. Always ask questions and seek answers. Do not limit yourself to what you already know. Explore beyond your comfort zone.
Build a strong network: Networking can lead to valuable collaborations, mentorships, and new career opportunities.
Develop effective communication skills: Hone your written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey your thoughts. Make it simple, whether it is a group presentation or a discussion.
Persist through challenges and remain positive: Stay persistent and resilient during difficult times. Do not get discouraged by setbacks; instead, take them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Endure open-mindedness: Explore different areas of interest to find where your passion lies. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different paths within the field.
Stay updated on technology and tools: Stay aware of technological advancements and familiarize yourself with relevant software and programming languages commonly used in physics.
Work and life balance: Pursuing a career in physics requires dedication and hard work. Remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Take breaks, pursue hobbies and prioritize your mental and physical well-being to avoid burnout and sustain long-term success in your career.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Puskar Chapagain: Consider specializing in fields such as quantum computing, machine learning, and semiconductor physics, as they are in high demand with high pay in the job market. It has been observed that DFT scientists are now being hired not only in the semiconductor industries but also in finance and market sectors.
Pursuing higher levels of education, such as a master's or Ph.D., can lead to higher-paying positions in academia, industry, and research institutions. It can also provide you with greater opportunities for career advancement and a higher salary.
Gain experience through internships and summer research programs during your undergraduate or graduate level. It can provide you with valuable skills and connections that can help you land a job with a great starting salary.
Acquire skills that are in high demand in the job market, such as programming, data analysis, and computational modeling, to increase your chances of getting a high-paying job.
Networking with professionals in your field, attending conferences, and participating in professional organizations can lead to new opportunities with higher salaries.
Staying updated with industry trends and continuously updating your skills and knowledge can give you a competitive edge in the job market and increase your earning potential.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Gustav Borstad Ph.D.: I apologize for the delay; I am not sure if this is what you are looking for. As it turns out, physics ends up being a highly individualized field of study, so it was difficult to address a typical case.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gustav Borstad Ph.D.: I apologize for the delay; I am not sure if this is what you are looking for. As it turns out, physics ends up being a highly individualized field of study, so it was difficult to address a typical case.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Gustav Borstad Ph.D.: I apologize for the delay; I am not sure if this is what you are looking for. As it turns out, physics ends up being a highly individualized field of study, so it was difficult to address a typical case.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Kolo Wamba PhD: Try to get out of your comfort zone. Don't let yourself be pigeonholed. By successfully graduating with a physics major, you have shown that you are flexible, adaptable, good at problem-solving, and have wide-ranging interests.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kolo Wamba PhD: My advice to folks for whom salary is important is to try to ensure that whatever workplace you are entering has a strong labor union. Having a solid union is statistically your best chance to maximizing your earning potential.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Kolo Wamba PhD: I have no idea! But really I think this is the wrong question. A more salient question might be 'where do you want to be, as a physics graduate, in the next 3-5 years?' – simply because the possibilities are almost endless.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Fisher: Many physics majors will complement their undergrad work with Masters or PhD degrees. These graduate degrees are one way to become more attractive to a wider range of positions. Another way is to look for positions in industry or private research organizations. Complementing your physics degree with specialized industry certifications is another way to increase your value as a prospective candidate.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Scott Fisher: Modern physics is a combination of physics, math, and computer science, all fused together into sort of an academic alloy. So folks early in their careers should aim to be strong in all three of those components. Specifically, being a strong programmer that can apply code to specific problems is a strong plus. Related to this, being comfortable working with and analyzing large amounts of data is an important skill to cultivate. I think any skill where you can combine programming, data analysis, data visualization, and modeling, will be extremely valuable in the near-term future.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Ning Bao: This isn't really a valid concern in physics; the best way to maximize your salary potential would be to leave physics and go to software engineering/machine learning/quantitative stuff in the private sector; professors get paid significantly less that people in these fields, many of whom are interested in physics graduates. As a professor, you have an opportunity to negotiate your salary when you get a job offer, but often times there is not a great deal of flexibility there to significantly increase your starting salary without a competing offer.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ning Bao: A few things: make sure that you get an advisor whose research style (hands on vs. hands off, frequency of meeting) matches yours, go to a university where you have multiple potential options for advisors in case any of them don't work out for some reason, work with multiple different faculty because you'll need multiple substantive recommendation letters to continue your career, and make sure you don't overburden yourself with projects and/or coursework at the cost of quality of your research.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Dr. James McLean: From my perspective as a college professor, it would be a mistake to think of "physicist" as a "profession," like plumber or lawyer or doctor. You go to law school specifically because you want to be a lawyer, but only roughly 1/3 of undergrad physics majors continue to "physicist" careers. The rest get a physics degree because it is an excellent foundation for a variety of technical careers. They go on to careers that are very much launched by their major, but they wouldn't be considered "physicists." So I'll mention both in the following. One reason it's good to major in physics is that employment rates are excellent, with unemployment at about 4% one year after graduation. Salaries are generally quite good, too, although you aren't likely to get rich. Physics-supported professions are also good because a huge fraction of technological advances improving our lives start with discoveries in physics. Nanotech, fusion energy, solar energy, quantum computing, and many other areas start with physics discoveries.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James McLean: Physicist work is "doing research," which means figuring out new knowledge about how the physical world works. In most positions ("experimental physicists") this means designing technical equipment to do things that have never been done before, making that equipment, keeping it working (because it is cutting edge, so it probably breaks a lot), and ultimately getting it to do that previously unknown thing. Then you can publicize what happened, usually to other physicists interested in the same sort of phenomena. A minority of positions ("theoretical physicists") don't work with equipment, but instead are focused on finding the mathematics or computer simulations which organize experimental results into general principles. You can break the "physicist" positions into three big categories: physicist in industry, physicist at a federal government lab, and university or college professor.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Dr. James McLean: For most physicists (the PhD kind), the best part comes from intrinsic enjoyment of that sort of work. It's like getting paid to solve fun puzzles posed by Mother Nature—we just want to know the answers! Other good parts: My experience is that the physics research field is generally cooperative, rather than competitive; there is a lot of working together towards a common goal, as opposed to stressful competition to see who can achieve something first. For professors specifically, it's a great pleasure to help young adults mature, learn, and progress. For experimental physics, it's a pain that equipment is often not working as you'd like; there are often many failures to get through before you get a successful experiment. For professors, the universally hated part of the job is grading of homework and exams.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Dr. Matthew Vonk: There are many Pros to being a physicist: Autonomy, variety, solving interesting problems, understanding how the universe works on a very fundamental level, working with great people.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Matthew Vonk: Physics is a great profession to enter now because (as the list above shows) it's a very general degree that allows you to do a lot of different things. This is especially important not because the world is changing so rapidly. There's a good chance that the job you'll have to 20 years doesn't even exist now. So, you don't want to be trained for a job that existed 20 years ago, you'll want to have the skills and the preparation to solve problems and to understand how things work on a basic and fundamental level, so you'll be in a position to take advantage of new opportunities as they arrive.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Matthew Vonk: People with physics degrees do a variety of work. Some who work in patent law might have roles more similar to lawyers. Some in medical physics might have roles more similar to doctors. Those in finance might try to forecast different aspects of the stock market. Some physicists are purely involved in research, others are more entrepreneurial. Some physicists rely extensively on computer modeling, others use higher-order math, some have teaching roles, while other are administrators. Physicists might work on mechanical systems, audio systems, optical systems, electronics, space exploration, or nuclear reactors. Some have desk jobs, while others are comfortable using a variety of workbench tools. With such diversity it's tough to think of a single common factor that could describe what a physicist does day-to-day. But I would say that the common thread is that they all solve interesting and fundamental problems.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Kevin Hayakawa Ph.D.: A Physicist is a good profession to enter now because there are many good-paying entry-level jobs accessible with just a bachelor's degree, the number of jobs available is expected to increase over the next decade, and there are also options for pursuing master's degrees and Ph.D. programs for those wishing to continue their education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for Physicists and Astronomers was $149,530 per year and the 'Job Outlook' or projected percent change in employment for 2022-2032 is 5% for Physicists and Astronomers, above the average growth rate for all professions of 3%.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Hayakawa Ph.D.: Physicists are curious about and intrigued by understanding the nature of the universe and its inner workings. STEM jobs are very well-paying and tend to be very stable, or at least it is relatively easy to find a new job since Physicists have very broad technical preparation and versatile skillsets. However, the educational attainment necessary at all levels to become a professional Physicist can be a barrier for some. To even get an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in Physics, one must take challenging courses in mathematics and the physical sciences including calculus, mechanics, and electromagnetism. For those who are ambitious enough to attempt a master's degree or Ph.D. in Physics, it can be very expensive to pursue advanced degrees in terms of the tuition and low pay as a research or teaching assistant. Even after attaining a Ph.D. in Physics, many postdoctoral scholars may have little geographical flexibility because their dream job or a lab in their specialty may be in a different state or country.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Kevin Hayakawa Ph.D.: The daily basis for a Physicist largely depends on what kind of institution they work for (college/university, national laboratory, private company, etc.). As professional researchers, Physicists are expected to keep up with the latest research developments and produce scholarly works of their own, usually in the form of peer-reviewed publications. If they work at an educational institution like me, teaching and mentoring students, both undergraduates and graduates, may be an aspect of their job. Lastly, public outreach and service are important facets of a Physicist's job. This may involve volunteering in the community, giving general audience-level public presentations, and traveling to conferences to present their latest findings.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Gaurav Khanna: My general advice would be to (1) focus on research areas within physics that are highly active i.e. subfields with new instrumentation generating promising data for example, and/or have had a recent major breakthrough, and (2) develop a wide range of skills (including even soft skills). In the long run, you never know what skills will become relevant. Teamwork is important in nearly every area. And eventually, with seniority, one often needs to take responsibility of junior team members. Therefore, soft skills are just as important as quantitative skills in the long term.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Gaurav Khanna: This is an interesting question. I think a good way to do that is to be mindful of what skills are highly sought after in industry. The same skills also end up commanding the higher salaries in academia, of course! Over the next few years, strong data management and processing skills (including machine learning and artificial intelligence) will continue to be highly attractive to industry and academic alike. Trying to make sure that one can develop those and gain some practical experience with those will likely help with high salary opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Frederick Ringwald: Few degrees get more respect than physics. In physics, we use mathematics to understand how the physical world works. This is because the Universe follows orderly, mathematical laws. With a physics education, you can do anything. Physics majors are thoroughly trained in problem solving. Physics majors are equipped for 'the next big thing,' precisely because no one knows what the next big thing will be. Physics can train you in clear, logical thinking, since it requires reasoning, and not mere scholarship.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frederick Ringwald: Strong computer programming skills, in Python and C++, are a must. Data science, statistics, machine learning, and AI are now increasingly important. Instrumentation skills are useful. People skills are surprisingly important. Laboratories tend not to hire introverted little nerds who do nothing but sit in their office, doing things only of interest to them.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Frederick Ringwald: A bachelors degree in physics can be an excellent entry into a lucrative career in engineering, computing, or finance. Good math and computer skills are a must. Good writing skills are essential. In many states in the U.S., there is a dire shortage of K-12 teachers of physics and math. Biomedical physics can be a lucrative field. The graduates of our program at Fresno State have a 100% employment rate, and entry-level jobs can pay over $80k.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Professor Darren Williams: I've always operated under the assumption that people will pay for what they value. My curt advice, then, is to make oneself valuable to the profession and to society, and the rest will follow.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Darren Williams: Everyone in physics and STEM must be digitally cognizant and computationally literate to have professional value. Not everyone needs to be a multi-lingual programmer, but everyone in STEM should know how to 'read and write' - that is, to process and present data by making quality graphs and figures, managing spreadsheets, or using web-based software and tools to find information. And while It has always been important to write and speak effectively, today's graduate must have a host of communicative skills and competencies - email, conference calls, cell apps, social media, podcasts, etc. - to interact with colleagues effectively.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Professor Darren Williams: Work hard and become familiar with everything, including the many branches of physics, but the other natural sciences as well. Pay particularly close attention to how our understanding and use of science affects everything we do in our fragile and cojoined existence on this planet. Stay informed of current events, and share what you learn with others.
What Nuclear Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Aarran Shaw: What I like is the freedom to design and pursue my own research projects. What I dislike is how long it took me to find a tenure-track position. Academia is a tough path to follow - I obtained my PhD in 2016 and didn’t land a permanent job until 2023. I did 7 years as a postdoctoral scholar with no job security before I got my current job.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Aarran Shaw: Having a physics education opens so many doors to different career paths. Physicists end up with so many transferable skills that they can take up a wide variety of jobs, from software engineering, to teaching, to research and development, to data science. Having a physics degree is a ticket to any number of fulfilling career paths.
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Dr. Ir. Wilhelmus Geerts: This is a question that would be better answered by our recent graduates. I noticed that some of them are able to secure better payment for their first job than I get from Texas State. I do tell them not to be not shy, and to try to ask questions at their interview and to put development opportunities above salary for a first job.
What will help Nuclear Physicists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ir. Wilhelmus Geerts: Look for apposition with growth opportunities.
Abdullatif Hamad Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of PhysicsSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Physics
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Abdullatif Hamad Ph.D.: Physics graduates planning to join the workforce should apply for positions that allow for future
growth. As well, it is important that they capitalize on their skills emphasizing the problem-solving
skills that physics majors gain before graduation. They should always be open to acquire new
skills and ready to adapt to changes and needs at their places of work. Those who are going to
academic positions should choose institutions that are a good fit for their ambitions regarding
teaching and research. To excel in any position whether it is in industry or academia graduates
should chose both the place and the work that will bring them joy. They should be open to
changing place of work or type of work as other opportunities arise. Lastly, plan your career in 5-
year increments. The world is changing fast and that will impact many careers and life choice.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Nuclear Physicists in the next 5 years?
Marc Favata: Overall, I think there will be an increase in demand for physics majors, especially in the industry sector. This is simply because the economy is increasingly driven by companies where computing, data analysis, and solving complex technical problems are the critical in-demand skills -- and those are the areas in which physics majors shine. The need for high school physics teachers will also remain vital for the foreseeable future.
Dr. Adam Hauser
Assistant Professor, Vice Chair of Undergraduate Studies, and A&S Leadership Board Faculty FellowThe University of Alabama
Department of Physics and Astronomy
What type of skills will young Nuclear Physicists need?
Dr. Adam Hauser: Technical skills are essential. The skills that I would remind young job seekers not to forget are those our parents taught us and that we should be refining and learning to wield independently during our time in the university system. Communication and collaboration are essential, of course. Still, these are guided by more basic principles: Empathy, fair play, care and respect of others, and taking a genuine interest in the success and happiness of those around you. When a person practices these principles, as a matter of course, it shines through and creates a happier work environment for everyone - yourself included.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Nuclear Physicists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Adam Hauser: A physicist entering the market today has a tremendous range of places to look for work besides academia. We are highly represented in industrial R&D, but also in engineering positions, data science and machine learning/AI, finance, actuarial sciences, and Silicon Valley as coders. Our ability to model complex systems and create our designs based on models presented, often combined with strong coding capabilities, is attractive in nearly every technical position out there. I have former colleagues who are now authors and musicians but still use their system and modeling skills in those fields. My advice is to cast a wide net, speak to alumni from your college/department/research groups with an open mind, and, most importantly, find something that makes you happy.
Dr. Hunter Close Ph.D.
Associate Professor and PhysTEC Site LeaderTexas State University
Department of Physics
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Nuclear Physicists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Hunter Close Ph.D.: Our graduates generally find work around here, from North Austin down to San Antonio. Many go into semiconductor manufacturing. Others go into teaching physics at the high school level, and they are always in high demand. I don't know what the job market is like in other parts of the country.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Nuclear Physicists?
Robert Brown: Yes. Just as there have been companies, large and small, go out of business throughout the country, there will be a consolidation of high-tech firms and smaller universities and colleges. This reduces for the next period the variety of jobs available. This is true for physics as well as the general job market. But because of the answers to the questions below, physicists will still have many opportunities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Nuclear Physicists to find work opportunities?
Robert Brown: Biophysics and nanophysics, which are increasingly overlapping, are primary directions in this century. With medical physics as a subset of biophysics and quantum computers also growing in biomolecular approaches, we see NE Ohio having more and more opportunities. Greater Cleveland is influential with world-class medical institutions and medical instrument companies. The threat of more pandemics and the aging population are significant forces that will make NE Ohio more and more attractive as a biotechnical region.
Alison Huff Ph.D.
Professor of Physics & Physical SciencesMerced College
Secretarial And Administrative Science
What general advice would you give to a Nuclear Physicist?
Alison Huff Ph.D.: Students who are graduating (or about to graduate) are going to be in a tricky situation. Many companies are laying people off as they try to stay afloat, including in the Bay Area, so students may have to stand out for a company to consider hiring them in the first place. Also, a limitation to peer interaction exists in today's society, so they will not be able to practice and hone communication skills as effectively, which can act as a barrier.
However, some skills that may develop better now are time management and individual researching and learning. To be successful in today's society, students will have to struggle more to develop an effective method to prioritize their time without a set schedule from some classes. Also, more types will have limited capabilities in which the material is conveyed, so they will have to learn more how to determine which content available to them conveys the concepts correctly. This independency may be a secure attribute to have, though it is best combined with practical communication skills.