How to become a Physicist
Official title: Physicists
Also called: Astrophysicist, Biophysics Scientist, Health Physicist, Medical Physicist, Research Physicist, Scientist
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Main tasks
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
- Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.
- Write research proposals to receive funding.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
How to become one
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor's degree in physics.
Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $172,250 a year The middle half earn $111,720 to $222,760.
- About 23,200 people work in this job now, and about 24,800 are projected by 2035. (+7.2%)
- People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Related jobs
- Astronomers
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Chemists
- Materials Scientists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Physicist?
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor's degree in physics.
How much does a Physicist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $172,250 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $111,720 to $222,760.
Is a Physicist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 23,200 to about 24,800 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Physicist?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Physicist?
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.