What Does a Physicist Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a physicist do?

Physicists study the interactions of matter and energy, conducting research to develop theories and apply them in areas such as electronics, energy, medicine and materials. The median pay is $172,250 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +7.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$172,250
$82.81/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+7.2%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
1,300
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
23,200
Employment, 2025

What physicists do

Physicists explore the rules of nature. They design experiments, build models, analyze data and develop technology in areas like lasers, semiconductors, nuclear energy, quantum computing and medical imaging.

Most research physicists have a Ph.D. and work for national labs, universities and tech companies. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

Design experiments
Build models
Analyze data
Develop technology
Write papers
Write proposals
Work with engineers

Work environment and schedule

Physicists work in labs and offices at national labs, universities and companies.

Schedule: Full time, sometimes long experimental runs.

A day in the life

8:30 AMAlign a laser setup.
10:00 AMRun measurements.
12:00 PMGroup meeting.
1:30 PMAnalyze data in Python.

See a full day in the life of a physicist →

Physicist salary

Half of physicists earned more than $172,250 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $82,110 for the lowest 10% to $274,110 for the top 10%.

$82,11010th$172,250Median$274,11090th

Full physicist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a physicist

Earn a physics bachelor’s
Do research
Earn a Ph.D.
Complete a postdoc
Get hired

A Ph.D. in physics is typical for research roles.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a physicist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Physics theory
Experimental methods
Mathematical modeling
Programming
Data analysis

People skills

Curiosity
Persistence
Collaboration
Communication

All physicist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

High pay
Faster-than-average growth
Deep science
Cutting-edge technology

Cons

Long training
Competitive research jobs
Funding pressure
Abstract work

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D.: Typical.
ABR certification: Medical physicists.
Security clearance: National labs.
Postdoc: Common.

Career path

Research Assistant: Entry.
Postdoc: Training.
Staff Physicist: Research.
Group Leader: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Physicist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as estimate measurement uncertainty and align a laser optics setup, safety and how to land your first job.

View Physicist training Is this career right for me?

Astronomer

Study stars, planets and the universe using telescopes and data.

$128,820
5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs

Physics Professor

Teach physics and lead research into how the universe works.

$100,310
6–9 years after a bachelor’s

Electronics Engineer

Design circuits and electronic systems for devices, vehicles and communications.

$130,220
4-year engineering degree

Materials Scientist

Research new materials for batteries, electronics and medicine.

$117,790
4+ years of study

Compare: Physicist vs. Astronomer · Physicist vs. Physics Professor · Physicist vs. Electronics Engineer · Physicist vs. Materials Scientist

Physicist FAQ

Do physicists need a Ph.D.?

For research, usually.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Where do physicists work?

National labs, universities, tech and medicine.

How much does a physicist make?

The median annual wage for physicists was $172,250 ($82.81 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $82,110 and the highest 10% earned more than $274,110.

How long does it take to become a physicist?

Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in physics is typical for research roles.

Do you need a degree to be a physicist?

Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for physicists. Some applied roles hire with a bachelor’s or master’s.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-2012 (Physicists).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Physicists (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Physicist