Optical scientist vs experimental physicist

The differences between optical scientists and experimental physicists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an optical scientist and an experimental physicist. Additionally, an optical scientist has an average salary of $83,856, which is higher than the $64,791 average annual salary of an experimental physicist.

The top three skills for an optical scientist include system design, zemax and optical design. The most important skills for an experimental physicist are image analysis, labview, and .

Optical scientist vs experimental physicist overview

	Optical Scientist	Experimental Physicist
Yearly salary	$83,856	$64,791
Hourly rate	$40.32	$31.15
Growth rate	8%	8%
Number of jobs	43,029	751
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	6	6

Optical scientist vs experimental physicist salary

Optical scientists and experimental physicists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Optical Scientist	Experimental Physicist
Average salary	$83,856	$64,791
Salary range	Between $52,000 And $132,000	Between $29,000 And $142,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Fulton, MD
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Alaska
Best paying company	Meta	University of Maryland, Baltimore
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between optical scientist and experimental physicist education

There are a few differences between an optical scientist and an experimental physicist in terms of educational background:

	Optical Scientist	Experimental Physicist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Physics	Physics
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Optical scientist vs experimental physicist demographics

Here are the differences between optical scientists' and experimental physicists' demographics:

	Optical Scientist	Experimental Physicist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 1.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 12.8% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 0.8% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 7.9% White, 80.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	24%	24%

Differences between optical scientist and experimental physicist duties and responsibilities

Optical scientist example responsibilities.

Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
Perform engineering research and development for numerous government fund projects, with problems focuse on adaptive optics and direct energy systems.

Experimental physicist example responsibilities.

Conduct simulation and modeling using ALEGRA-MHD and CTH computational codes to study non-ideal plasma and penetration.
Produce detailed solid models of components and systems that are used for both parametric analysis (FEA).
Hire as part of a team of physicists and engineers testing specific theories relating to IEC fusion energy.
Specialize in performing and evaluating radiation shielding calculations for radiation oncology facilities under the guidance of a qualify health physicist.
Service on review panels for projects at DARPA and NSF.

Optical scientist vs experimental physicist skills

Common optical scientist skills

System Design, 21%
Zemax, 17%
Optical Design, 15%
Prototyping, 11%
Asap, 11%
Optical Components, 10%

Common experimental physicist skills

Image Analysis, 91%
LabVIEW, 9%

Optical Scientist vs. similar jobs

Optical Scientist related careers

Optical Scientist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Optical Scientist
Optical Scientist vs Experimental Physicist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs