How to become a professional occupations in physical sciences
Official title: Other professional occupations in physical sciences
Also called: Physical metallurgist, Astronaut, Cosmonaut, Pedologist, Ballistician, Metallurgist, Metallographer, Soil scientist, Firearms expert, Pyrometallurgist, Firearms examiner, Hydrometallurgist
Professionals in other physical sciences occupations conduct theoretical and applied research in fields of physical science. Metallurgists, soil scientists and physical scientists and researchers are included in this unit group. They are employed by governments, educational institutions and a wide range of industrial establishments.
Main tasks
- Metallurgists
- Conduct studies into the properties and production of metals and alloys
- Soil scientists
- Conduct research into the composition, distribution and evolution of soils
- Materials scientists
- Conduct research into the properties, composition and production of materials such as ceramics and composite materials
- Astronauts
- Command, pilot or serve as crew members of a spacecraft to conduct scientific experiments and research, and participate in space missions as mission specialists to maintain spacecraft, install and repair space station equipment and launch and recapture satellites
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related physical science discipline is required. A master's or doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research scientist. Advanced degrees in a broad range of applied science areas, such as engineering or medicine or Licences may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Advanced degrees in a broad range of applied science areas, such as engineering or medicine or Licences may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $83,850 a year The middle half earn $76,713 to $118,833.
- About 1,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 1,800 are projected by 2033. (+0%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a professional occupations in physical sciences?
A bachelor's degree in metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related physical science discipline is required. A master's or doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research scientist. Advanced degrees in a broad range of applied science areas, such as engineering or medicine or Licences may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
How much does a professional occupations in physical sciences earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $83,850 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $76,713 to $118,833.
Is a professional occupations in physical sciences a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2033: about 1,800 people now and 1,800 later (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a professional occupations in physical sciences?
Usually. 82% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03