How to become a physicist or astronomer
Official title: Physicists and astronomers
Also called: Physicist, Astronomer, Fluid physicist, Laser physicist, Metal physicist, Space physicist, X-ray physicist, Health physicist, Optics physicist, Plasma physicist, Radio astronomer, Crystal physicist
Physicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of natural phenomena and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine and health. They are employed by electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies, telecommunications companies, power utilities, university and government research laboratories, hospitals and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, and research and consulting firms. Astronomers conduct observational and theoretical research to extend knowledge of the universe. They are employed by government and universities.
Main tasks
- Physicists
- Design and conduct research in experimental and theoretical physics
- Carry out analysis of research data and prepare research reports
- Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures
- Physicists may specialize in fields such as aeronomy and space, acoustics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter or solid state physics, electromagnetics, fluids and aerodynamics, health physics, medical physics, metrology, particle physics, optics and laser physics, nuclear physics and plasma physics
- Astronomers
- Design and conduct observational surveys, conduct detailed analyses and develop numerical models to extend knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
- Develop or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis
How to become one
Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline. Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $110,156 a year The middle half earn $83,850 to $175,500.
Related jobs
- Chemists
- Geoscientists and oceanographers
- Meteorologists and climatologists
- Other professional occupations in physical sciences
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Questions people ask
How do I become a physicist or astronomer?
Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline. Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.
How much does a physicist or astronomer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $110,156 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $83,850 to $175,500.
Do you need a degree to become a physicist or astronomer?
Usually. 94% 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 (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03