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Job outlook for physicists in the United States
Physicist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected physicist job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 2,000 new jobs for physicists are projected over the next decade.
Physicist salaries have increased 12% for physicists in the last 5 years.
There are over 11,726 physicists currently employed in the United States.
There are 803 active physicist job openings in the US.
The average physicist salary is $110,869.
Are physicist jobs in demand?
Physicist job and salary trends over time
Physicist jobs over time
Physicist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,726 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,465 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,799 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,320 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,787 | 0.00% |
Average physicist salary over time
Physicist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $110,869 | $53.30 | +5.7% |
| 2024 | $104,893 | $50.43 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $103,270 | $49.65 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $101,460 | $48.78 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $98,933 | $47.56 | +3.8% |
Physicist jobs by state
Most common states for physicists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 9 | 1% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 32 | 0% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 18 | 0% |
| 4 | New York | 19,849,399 | 17 | 0% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 17 | 0% |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 16 | 0% |
| 7 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 12 | 0% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 10 | 0% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 8 | 0% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 5 | 0% |
| 11 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 4 | 0% |
| 12 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 4 | 0% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 3 | 0% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 3 | 0% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 3 | 0% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 2 | 0% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 2 | 0% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 2 | 0% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 2 | 0% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 0 | 0% |
Most common cities for physicists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 3 | 12% | $122,157 |
| 2 | Cambridge | 9 | 8% | $122,103 |
| 3 | Broomfield | 5 | 8% | $100,990 |
| 4 | Waltham | 3 | 5% | $122,082 |
| 5 | Quincy | 3 | 3% | $122,048 |
| 6 | Boulder | 2 | 2% | $101,033 |
| 7 | Bowling Green | 1 | 2% | $94,709 |
| 8 | Milwaukee | 6 | 1% | $111,609 |
| 9 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $122,093 |
| 10 | Fremont | 2 | 1% | $107,781 |
| 11 | Fargo | 1 | 1% | $104,475 |
| 12 | Georgetown | 1 | 1% | $99,443 |
| 13 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $86,388 |
| 14 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $100,932 |
| 15 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $86,159 |
| 16 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $99,199 |
| 17 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $124,399 |
| 18 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $95,909 |
Physicist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of physicist experts
Skyline College
University of Oregon
Northeastern University
SUNY College at Geneseo
University of Wisconsin - River Falls
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
California State University - Channel Islands
University of Rhode Island
Pennsylvania State University
Butler University
University of Oklahoma
Northern Illinois University
Texas State University
University of Rhode Island
University of Oregon
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
What general advice would you give to a 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 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 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 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 Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Puskar Chapagain: Data Science and Analysis: The production of large datasets from experiments, simulations, or observations makes proficiency in data science, statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization crucial for extracting meaningful insights from complex data.
Computational Physics: With the increasing computational power, the ability to develop and apply computational models to solve complex physical problems becomes more essential.
Quantum Computing and Information: Rapid advancements in quantum technologies make understanding quantum mechanics and its applications in quantum computing, quantum communication, and information increasingly valuable.
Programming and Software Development: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, MATLAB, C/C++, etc., remains valuable in physics for simulations, data analysis, and further improvements of software/hardware for scientific research.
Experimental Techniques/Quantitative Problem-solving: Knowledge of advanced experimental techniques, including expertise in designing and building experimental setups, remains crucial for conducting cutting-edge physics research. Moreover, strong analytical and problem-solving skills will always be valued for fundamentals in physics, especially for the validation of primary work done by AI.
What will help 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 general advice would you give to a Physicist?
Scott Fisher: A degree in Physics is quite strong, and is often more widely applicable than some graduates realize! My advice is to positively use the connotation that comes along with a degree in Physics. Physicists are known to be brainy, mathematically inclined, and perhaps most importantly – teachable. These are characteristics that folks early in their career should lean into and emphasize when they are in the application/interview process. Be excited that you made it through a difficult and complicated major. Show potential employers that you are smart, that you can work independently, and that you are an avid learner.
What 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 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 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 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 will help Physicists increase their earning potential?
Ning Bao: Computational skills are increasingly important in all aspects of theoretical physics, whether it be traditional coding, machine learning, quantum computing, data science, or some other emerging trend. Many questions in theoretical physics are now too difficult to directly tackle using pen and paper techniques, and these computational aids are increasingly critical to continuing progress.
What general advice would you give to a 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 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 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 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 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 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 Physicist?
Liliya Williams: If a person is interested in finding out answers to questions that relate to the Universe, its origin, structure and evolution, galaxies, stars, and planets, that person would likely make a good astronomer. Basically, one has to be interested in doing research in those areas.
What Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Liliya Williams: Professional astronomers usually love their jobs, and would not want to do anything else. Research is captivating and a source of great satisfaction to most.
What will help Physicists increase their earning potential?
Liliya Williams: There is a wide range of what astronomers do. Most do research, which can often involve analyzing data, writing code, and writing papers. We also work with undergraduate and graduate students, teach, and write grant proposals. Those who build instruments spend much of their time in the lab. Most of us spend most of our time at the computer. Students entering the field take classes, teach, and work on research projects with their advisors.
What general advice would you give to a 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 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 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 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 Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gaurav Khanna: In my opinion, computational skills are going to continue to play an increasing important role. This would include simulation, of course, but also skills associated with handling data, processing and, of course, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Beyond that, I strongly believe that soft skills will continue to play a significant role, as before. Work is increasingly collaborative and teamwork and basic management skills are absolutely essential for high effectiveness and progress in the long run.
What will help 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 general advice would you give to a Physicist?
Dr. Aarran Shaw: As an Assistant Professor, I teach classes almost every day. I teach an astronomy course that also includes a lab-based component. I deliver lectures, host office hours and set assignments. I also perform research related to my field of interest. This may involve writing complex computer programs to analyze data, supervising student research projects, and collating and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
What 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 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 Physicist?
Sean Matt: As astronomy becomes more data-intensive, computing and data-handling skills only become more relevant. At the same time, since the ultimate goal of science is human understanding, it will be increasingly challenging to make *sense* of the analysis of large datasets and increasingly sophisticated numerical simulations. Therefore, the “classical” skills of having a firm understanding of physics, etc. will always be necessary. Another essential skill now and in the future is communication, both in written and verbal form, both in discussing with an expert audience and with the lay public, and all audiences in between. Finally, as the field becomes more competitive for jobs and funding, a critical skill is writing proposals (including job applications).
What Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Matt: One needs a PhD to have a career in astronomy related research. And in the early career stages, research experience, outputs, and quality are the most important factors improving chances of employment. So I’d say getting research experience as soon as possible (as an undergraduate, ideally) is good. And during schooling (undergraduate and graduate), work to gain as many different kinds of research skills and fundamental knowledge (of physics, mathematics, and astronomy) as possible. For the research, it is good to work on different types of research projects in different research areas (and requiring you to pick up different skills)—not all at once but via successive projects that are unrelated to each other. As a PhD student, toward the last few years, it is most important to focus on a single area and develop a niche in the form of a novel research area or research tool that you have mastered. After the PhD, the usual path is to go into a postdoctoral research position. It is also important to further deepen and broaden research productivity and expertise, during this time. Furthermore, this is a stage where you want to develop your independence and show that you can find and follow and answer your own research questions. For a career path that will eventually involve teaching or leading research groups, it is also helpful to gain experience teaching and/or mentoring junior researchers and/or participating in outreach activities. This can be done during graduate school or as a postdoc. Similarly, the sooner you can get experience applying for funding and other competitive resources (like telescope and computing time), the better. Finally, be realistic and have a backup plan. Getting a long-term position in astronomy and astrophysics is one of the most competitive endeavors (statistically comparable to being a professional sports player or astronaut, that kind of level).
What will help Physicists increase their earning potential?
Sean Matt: Frankly, if you are motivated by earning a high salary, astronomy and astrophysics is not a time-effective way to do that. Skills of an astrophysicist, particularly with regard to computing, scientific knowledge, and general problem-solving, are prized in other industries with competitive salaries, for example in data science. But professional astronomer salaries are not high compared to the level of schooling and temporary positions typically required before finding a long-term position. Generally speaking, if you focus on salary as a professional astronomer, you would probably do best to move jobs as frequently as you are able. Commonly, new hires make comparable or sometimes higher salaries than people who have stayed at an institution for a long time. Salaries in the US are typically higher than those in other countries. I’m not sure, but I believe jobs at government labs in the US are higher for early career positions than university posts, but the latter can for some people be higher than government labs (i.e., universities might have a wider range of salary possibilities). Private universities usually pay higher salaries than public, I think. This is widely varying.
Jahred Adelman
Associate Professor of Physics, Director of Graduate StudiesNorthern Illinois University
Physics
What general advice would you give to a Physicist?
Jahred Adelman: I always tell my students that the skills we teach are going to be very much in demand in the future in almost all fields. Physicists are taught critical and analytical thinking skills, model building, computational expertise and proficiency in communicating difficult ideas and concepts to others. I don't see any of those things becoming old-fashioned, anytime soon.
What general advice would you give to a 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 Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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 Physicists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ir. Wilhelmus Geerts: Look for apposition with growth opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Physicist?
Professor Leonard Kahn: This is an exciting time to be in physics. Great advances are being made in quantum computing, biophysics, and astrophysics to name a few. In each of these fields, there are abundant opportunities for physicists. The major tech firms as well as financial firms, aerospace, and pharmaceutical companies (designing drugs) are investing in quantum computing. That is in addition to the large number of startups moving into that space. The advance of techniques to manipulate individual molecules has led to a vast number of opportunities for physicists to have an impact on biological studies. The photos from the James Webb Space Telescope and the detection of gravitational waves (vibrations in spacetime caused by mergers of black holes) have added to the excitement surrounding physics.
What Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Leonard Kahn: The day-to-day work of a physicist can vary depending on the field. They can be involved in design, creating mathematical models, working in a lab testing materials or products, or dreaming up new theories. Those entering the field will work with a group consisting of engineers, mathematicians, chemists, and other physicists and gradually advance to a lead role.
Our graduates work for a variety of companies, NASA, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, IBM, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Zapata AI, ...
What will help Physicists increase their earning potential?
Professor Leonard Kahn: This is an exciting time to be in physics. Great advances are being made in quantum computing, biophysics, and astrophysics to name a few. In each of these fields, there are abundant opportunities for physicists. The major tech firms as well as financial firms, aerospace, and pharmaceutical companies (designing drugs) are investing in quantum computing. That is in addition to the large number of startups moving into that space. The advance of techniques to manipulate individual molecules has led to a vast number of opportunities for physicists to have an impact on biological studies. The photos from the James Webb Space Telescope and the detection of gravitational waves (vibrations in spacetime caused by mergers of black holes) have added to the excitement surrounding physics.
James Isenberg
Emeritus Math ProfessorUniversity of Oregon
Physics
What general advice would you give to a Physicist?
James Isenberg: Although academic jobs can be very interesting and are available to some extent, such jobs do not maximize your earning potential. Learning the general scientific thinking skills are very important and can be very important for almost any job, again, I do recommend learning how to work with data analysis and artificial intelligence" to maximize future earning power.
What Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Isenberg: I would advise graduates in physics to become very fluent in computational and numerical simulation skills. We don't know what will be the influence of "artificial intelligence" in the future, but my graduate students who have the most skills in computational and numerical simulation have done the best in the job market. If the student still want to stay in the academic area, it is also important that they be proficient in a wide range of physics areas.
What will help Physicists increase their earning potential?
James Isenberg: I emphasize again that skills in computational and numerical analysis is very important. Also, for a student interested in experimental physics, it's important that they become skilled in handling large amounts of data, and understanding the statistics of data.
Abdullatif Hamad Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of PhysicsSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Physics
What general advice would you give to a 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.
What Physicist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Physicists increase their earning potential?
Abdullatif Hamad Ph.D.: The set of skills will be an important factor in landing a person at a position that pays well. For
physics graduates, having a Masters or Ph.D. degrees will open up more opportunities with higher
salaries in particular if they work in R&D in industry or government labs and in large research
institutions. However, for students with only a bachelor's degree probably the best place to start
with a high salary will be large corporations that hire engineers and applied scientists. Also, being
flexible in where you live, and work is very important nowadays. Some of the best paying jobs for
physicists may not be next door.