Physicist at Scrypath

Explore Careers

Physicist

O*NET-SOC: 19-2012.00

Education

Conducts research to understand fundamental principles governing matter, energy, space, and time, developing theories, designing experiments, and applying physics knowledge to solve scientific and technological problems.

See your fit

Take the quiz to see how you match

Take the Quiz

$143K

Median Salary

+5%

Stable

Doctoral Degree

Min. Education

Good Balance

Work-Life Balance

About This Role

A research physicist specializing in education and research embarks on a daily journey of intellectual exploration, blending rigorous experimentation with theoretical innovation in settings like university labs, government facilities, or corporate R&D centers. They design intricate experiments to probe fundamental principles - from quantum mechanics to thermodynamics - meticulously controlling variables, calibrating specialized equipment, and collecting vast datasets to test hypotheses or uncover new phenomena. Decisions abound: whether to refine a simulation model after anomalous results, pivot research directions based on preliminary analysis, or prioritize grant proposals to fund ambitious projects. Mornings might involve hands-on lab work with lasers or particle detectors, afternoons data crunching via computational tools and statistical methods, and evenings drafting papers for peer-reviewed journals or preparing conference talks. Collaboration is key; they huddle with engineers, chemists, and fellow physicists to integrate insights into practical technologies like advanced materials or renewable energy solutions. This career suits the deeply curious - those with Ph.D.-level tenacity, a knack for pattern recognition, and resilience against experimental failures or funding hurdles. Rewards are profound: the thrill of a breakthrough publication, mentoring eager students who carry forward discoveries, and contributing to humanity's understanding of the universe, often with societal impact through innovations in climate tech or quantum computing. Challenges include irregular hours driven by experiment timelines, the pressure of securing competitive grants, and the patience required for iterative science where progress can stall for months. Yet, the intellectual freedom and potential for paradigm-shifting contributions make it profoundly fulfilling for those who thrive on unsolved puzzles and collaborative discovery.

A Day in the Life

8:30 AM

Morning routine and lab prep

Arrive at the lab after a structured morning routine. Review overnight experiment data and calibrate equipment for the day's tests.

9:30 AM

Conduct experiments

Set up and run complex experiments, controlling variables precisely. Monitor real-time data from lasers or detectors to ensure integrity.

12:00 PM

Lunch break

Take a quick lunch with colleagues. Discuss preliminary findings and brainstorm hypothesis refinements over a shared meal.

1:00 PM

Data analysis

Analyze datasets using statistical software and simulations. Identify patterns and validate models against observed phenomena.

3:00 PM

Team meeting

Collaborate in an interdisciplinary team huddle. Present results, troubleshoot issues, and plan next experimental phases.

4:30 PM

Writing and grant prep

Draft sections of a research paper or grant proposal. Refine theoretical models based on afternoon insights.

6:00 PM

Wrap-up and review

Review the day's progress and schedule tomorrow's tasks. Head home or continue remote analysis if needed.

Tools & Technologies

• Development Tools
• Eclipse IDE
• C
• Microsoft Azure
• Microsoft Visual Basic
• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Databases & Data Tools
• AWS
• Microsoft Access
• MySQL
• Oracle Database
• SQL
• Programming Languages
• Python
• C++
• Java
• Perl
• Sun Microsystems Java
• Operating Systems
• Linux
• Microsoft Windows
• UNIX
• Analytics & Science
• The MathWorks MATLAB
• Aptech Systems GAUSS
• CERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAW
• CERN ROOT
• COMSOL Multiphysics
• Graphics & Design
• Adobe Photoshop
• GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP
• Ploticus
• Xfig
• xv

Salary Details

Salary by State

Physicist salary by state map

Physicist salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range Minnesota $223K — Florida $209K — Pennsylvania $208K — Arizona $191K — Oregon $184K — California $181K — Missouri $180K — New Hampshire $179K — New Mexico $176K — New York $174K — Wisconsin $174K — Tennessee $174K $65K - $227K Connecticut $172K — North Carolina $171K — Texas $170K — Kentucky $169K — New Jersey $169K — Virginia $164K — Maryland $164K $101K - $211K Massachusetts $154K $92K - $222K District of Columbia $153K $83K - $192K Colorado $145K $109K - $192K Ohio $136K $49K - $226K Utah $134K — Idaho $132K $81K - $203K Arkansas $132K $104K - $213K Georgia $132K — Illinois $131K $78K - $208K South Carolina $131K $102K - $222K Iowa $121K — Mississippi $121K $60K - $235K Washington $120K $67K - $224K Nevada $116K $85K - $156K Alabama $115K $69K - $223K Maine $115K $55K - $225K Indiana $110K $52K - $224K Michigan $108K $68K - $238K Oklahoma $85K $54K - $227K Delaware $83K — South Dakota $78K $51K - $173K

Physicist salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range Minnesota $223K — Florida $209K — Pennsylvania $208K — Arizona $191K — Oregon $184K — California $181K — Missouri $180K — New Hampshire $179K — New Mexico $176K — New York $174K — Wisconsin $174K — Tennessee $174K $65K - $227K Connecticut $172K — North Carolina $171K — Texas $170K — Kentucky $169K — New Jersey $169K — Virginia $164K — Maryland $164K $101K - $211K Massachusetts $154K $92K - $222K District of Columbia $153K $83K - $192K Colorado $145K $109K - $192K Ohio $136K $49K - $226K Utah $134K — Idaho $132K $81K - $203K Arkansas $132K $104K - $213K Georgia $132K — Illinois $131K $78K - $208K South Carolina $131K $102K - $222K Iowa $121K — Mississippi $121K $60K - $235K Washington $120K $67K - $224K Nevada $116K $85K - $156K Alabama $115K $69K - $223K Maine $115K $55K - $225K Indiana $110K $52K - $224K Michigan $108K $68K - $238K Oklahoma $85K $54K - $227K Delaware $83K — South Dakota $78K $51K - $173K

Lower ($78K-$150K)Middle (~$150K)Higher ($150K-$223K)

Highest Paying States

• 1.Minnesota$223K
• 2.Florida$209K
• 3.Pennsylvania$208K
• 4.Arizona$191K
• 5.Oregon$184K

Lowest Paying States

• 1.South Dakota$78K
• 2.Delaware$83K
• 3.Oklahoma$85K
• 4.Michigan$108K
• 5.Indiana$110K

Certifications, Training & Memberships

Essential

Ph.D. in Physics

Accredited Universities

Certification

Advanced doctoral degree demonstrating deep specialization and capacity for original research contributions. Essential for independent research roles.

Recommended

Certified Health Physicist (CHP)

American Academy of Health Physics

Certification

Credential for radiation safety and protection expertise. Valuable for physicists in medical or nuclear research environments.

Helpful

Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching

Universities (e.g., University of Surrey)

Course

Training for effective teaching practices alongside research. Enhances skills for education-focused physicist roles.

Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp

Coursera or edX

Bootcamp

Practical training in computational tools for physics data analysis. Boosts efficiency in handling large datasets and simulations.

Professional Memberships

American Physical Society (APS) Membership

American Physical Society

Membership

Professional network for staying updated on physics advancements via conferences and journals. Supports career development and collaborations.

Work Environment

Remote Work Hybrid (Remote + Office)

Work Setting Traditional office / indoor

Physical Activity Mostly sedentary

Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction

Schedule Standard work hours

Your Skills & Attributes

Skills & Competencies Matches (44)

• Judgment and Decision Making

Good Match

• Instructing

Good Match

• Programming

Moderate Match

• Systems Analysis

Moderate Match

• Written Comprehension

Strong Match

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Physicist a good career?

Physicist can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $143K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.

What degree do you need to become a Physicist?

The typical education requirement for a Physicist is a Doctoral Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.

How long does it take to become a Physicist?

Becoming a Physicist typically requires about 8-10 years of higher education (including undergraduate and graduate studies). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.

What is the work-life balance like for a Physicist?

The work-life balance for a Physicist is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.

What is the job outlook for Physicist?

The job outlook for Physicist is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.

Find Physicist Jobs

Google Jobs

(opens in new tab)

Aggregated listings from across the web

Search Physicist jobs

Indeed

(opens in new tab)

One of the largest job search engines

Search Physicist jobs

LinkedIn

(opens in new tab)

Professional network job listings

Search Physicist jobs

Related Careers

Use arrow keys or swipe to scroll through related career cards

Education

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor

Advises and assists students and other individuals on educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, and career planning through individual and group counseling sessions.

Education

Elementary School Teacher

Teaches students in public or private elementary schools in a range of core subjects including reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, adapting instructional methods to meet the developmental needs of young learners.

Education

Librarian

Administers library services and programs, helps patrons find information, manages collections, catalogs resources, and develops community programming and digital literacy initiatives.

Education

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Plans, directs, and coordinates academic programs, student services, and administrative operations at colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions.

Education

Secondary School Teacher

Teaches one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. Instructs through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations; prepares course materials; designs and grades assessments; and manages classroom behavior.