Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Tasks Include:

Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
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.
Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
Teach physics to students.
Write research proposals to receive funding.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +4.9%

National: +7.2%

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job Zone:

Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$155,680.00

State

$128,880.00

Regional

Physicists

Description

Career Cluster:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Education

Required Level of Education

Doctoral Degree = 49.04%
Post-Doctoral Training = 39.06%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level. = 8.14%
Bachelor's Degree = 3.77%

Related Work Experience

Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 38%
Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 17.83%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 14.61%
Over 10 years = 12.92%
None = 9.43%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 7.21%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

None = 28.60%
Up to and including 1 month = 18.21%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 18.11%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 11.42%
Over 10 years = 9.97%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 9.91%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 2.47%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 1.30%

On-the-Job Training

Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 29.53%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 27.64%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 19.19%
Over 10 years = 9.97%
None or short demonstration = 8.22%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 2.47%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 1.67%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 1.30%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
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.
Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
Teach physics to students.
Write research proposals to receive funding.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

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.
Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Accelerometers
Frequency analyzers (Analog frequency analyzers)
Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter (Analog sound level meters)
Analytical balances
Laboratory safety furnaces (Annealing furnaces)
Signal generators (Arbitrary function generators)
Lasers (Argon ion lasers)
Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
Chromatographic detectors (Atomic emission detectors AED)
Scanning probe microscopes (Atomic force microscopes)
Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators (Betatrons)
Laboratory balances (Big G torsion balances)
Capacitance meters (Capacitance bridges)
Laser filters (Cavity dumpers or drivers)
Photo attachments for microscopes (Charge-coupled device CCD cameras)
Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes (Computed tomography CT scanners)
Amplifiers (Conditioning amplifiers)
Cryostats
Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators (Cyclotrons)
Desktop computers
Laboratory vacuum pumps (Diffusion pumps)
High vacuum equipment (Diffusion-pumped vacuum systems)
Multimeters (Digital multimeters)
Oscilloscopes (Digital oscilloscopes)
Plotter printers (Digital plotters)
Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter (Digital sound level meters)
Voltage or current meters (Digital voltmeters DVM)
Lasers (Diode lasers)
Monochromators (Double monochromators)
Electron microscopes
Infrared spectrometers (Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers)
Scanning probe microscopes (Friction-force microscopes)
Signal generators (Function generators)
Galvanometers (Galvanostats)
Spectrometers (Gamma ray spectrometers)
Gas chromatographs (Gas chromatography equipment)
Injectors (Gas chromatography GC injectors)
Magnetometer geophysical instruments (Gaussmeters)
Geiger counters (Geiger-Muller counters)
Monochromators (Grating monochromators)
Autosamplers (Headspace autosamplers)
Lasers (Helium lasers)
Cryogenic or liquid nitrogen freezers (Helium refrigerators)
Ultraviolet UV lamps (High intensity UV sources)
High vacuum equipment
Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators (High-energy accelerators)
Photosensitive diodes (High-resolution semiconductor detectors)
Spectrometers (High-resolution spectrometers)
Digital camcorders or video cameras (High-speed video cameras)
Interferometers
Ionization chambers
Mass spectrometers (Isotope ratio mass spectrometers)
Laboratory box furnaces
Laboratory centrifugal pumps
Electromagnets (Laboratory electromagnets)
Tube furnaces (Laboratory tube furnaces)
Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
Laser beam analyzers (Laser power meters)
Leak testing equipment (Leak detection equipment)
Light scattering equipment (Light scattering devices)
Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators (Linear accelerators)
Single gas monitors (Liquid helium level sensors)
Scanning probe microscopes (Magnetic force microscopes)
Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners (Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems)
Mass spectrometers
Binocular light compound microscopes (Measuring microscopes)
Interferometers (Mickelson interferometers)
Interferometers (Microwave interferometers)
Monochromators
Lasers (Multiple diode lasers)
Voltage or current meters (Nanovoltmeters)
Radiation detectors (Neutron detectors)
Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers (Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes)
Optical beamsplitters (Optical beamsplitting devices)
Optical choppers
Signal generators (Optical detectors)
Optical breadboards (Optical tables)
Tweezers (Optical tweezers)
Electronic counters (Particle counters)
Personal computers
Chromatographic detectors (Photodetectors)
Photometers
Frequency counters or timer or dividers (Photon counting systems)
Visual filters (Pinhole filters)
Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter (Pistonphones)
Frequency analyzers (Portable fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers)
Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators (Positive ion accelerators)
Signal conditioners (Power amplifiers)
Spectrometers (Prism spectrometers)
Polarizers (Programmable phase modulators)
Lasers (Pulsed nitrogen lasers)
Medical radiation films or badges (Radiation detecting film badges)
Signal generators (Radiofrequency RF generators)
Goggles (Safety goggles)
Scanning electron microscopes (Scanning electron microscopes SEM)
Monochromators (Scanning monochromators)
Scanning probe microscopes (Scanning tunneling microscopes STM)
Radiation detectors (Scintillation probes)
Semiconductor testers (Semiconductor parameter analyzers)
Signal generators
Lasers (Single frequency dye lasers)
Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter (Sound intensity probes)
Spectrophotometers
Frequency analyzers (Spectrum analyzers)
Pull spring balances (Spring scales)
Roughness measuring instruments (Surface profilometers)
Telescopes
Radiation detectors (Thermoluminescent dosimeters)
Transmission electron microscopes (Transmission electron microscopes TEM)
High vacuum equipment (Turbo-pumped vacuum systems)
Frequency calibrator or simulator (Two-channel dynamic signal analyzers)
Frequency analyzers (Two-channel fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers)
Network analyzers (Two-channel network analyzers)
Pneumatic vacuum equipment (Vacuum stations)
Force or torque sensors (Vernier force sensors)
Magnetometers (Vibrating sample magnetometers)
Laboratory vibrators (Vibration exciters)
Spectrometers (Visible spectrometers)
X ray diffraction equipment (X ray crystallography equipment)
Spectrometers (X ray photoemission spectrometers)
Lasers (Zeeman split lasers)

Technologies Include:

Analytical or scientific software

CERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAW
Aptech Systems GAUSS software
OriginLab Origin
Radiation dose calculation software
Systat Software SigmaPlot
CERN ROOT
COMSOL Multiphysics
Criss Software XRF11
Dose modeling software
Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System EPICS
SciLab
SciGraphica
GNU Octave
Gnuplot
RSI interactive data language IDL software
Maplesoft Maple
REDUCE
Spectral Dynamics STAR
Spectroscopy software
Statistical software
Synergy Software KaleidaGraph
The MathWorks MATLAB
Vector Fields OPERA-3d
Video analysis software
Wolfram Research Mathematica

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk AutoCAD software
RibbonSoft QCad
Mathsoft Mathcad

Data base management system software

SQLite

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft Access
MySQL software

Desktop publishing software

Scribus software

Development environment software

Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual J++
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
National Instruments LabVIEW
Pascal
Assembler
C

Graphics or photo imaging software

Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
Ploticus
GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP
Xfig
XV

Music or sound editing software

Adobe Systems Adobe Audition

Object or component oriented development software

Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
Sun Microsystems Java
Microsoft Visual C++
Python

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Video creation and editing software

Lenox Softworks VideoPoint

Web platform development software

JavaScript

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Additional Resources

General information on career opportunities in physics is available from:

American Institute of Physics
Career Services Division and Education and Employment Division
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740-3843
http://www.aip.org

The American Physical Society
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740-3844
http://www.aps.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
98.00	Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
95.50	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
88.50	Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
84.50	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
67.25	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
60.25	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
55.25	Chemistry	Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Skills

%	Subject	Description
90.50	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
81.25	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
81.25	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
78.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
78.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
75.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
72.00	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
72.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
68.75	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
65.50	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
59.50	Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
59.50	Programming	Writing computer programs for various purposes.
59.50	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
56.25	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56.25	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53.00	Operations Analysis	Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
53.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
53.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50.00	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
50.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00	Management of Personnel Resources	Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
93.75	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
81.25	Number Facility	The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
81.25	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
78.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
78.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
78.00	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
78.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
78.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
78.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
75.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
72.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
72.00	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
72.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
72.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
65.50	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
59.50	Speed of Closure	The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
59.50	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
56.25	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
89.75	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
89.25	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
88.25	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
84.75	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
83.50	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
83.50	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
82.25	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
78.75	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
78.50	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
76.25	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
70.50	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
69.50	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
68.75	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
67.75	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
66.75	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
65.50	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
64.25	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
64.00	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
58.75	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
58.50	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
58.25	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
55.00	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
52.25	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
49.50	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
87.50	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
87.25	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
86.75	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
84.50	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
83.25	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
79.50	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
77.50	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
77.25	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
69.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
64.75	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
63.25	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
61.50	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
61.00	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
51.75	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
88.83	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
86.17	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
83.33	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
83.33	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
98.40	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
92.40	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
90.00	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
88.40	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
87.20	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
82.60	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
75.60	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
74.60	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
72.00	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
70.60	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
67.80	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
66.20	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
65.20	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
62.60	Public Speaking	How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
61.00	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
58.40	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
57.40	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
52.00	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
50.60	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
49.60	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$80,950.00	$155,680.00	$186,330.00
Virginia	$89,200.00	$128,880.00	$169,590.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	$121,570.00	$182,020.00	$204,500.00
Bay Consortium	$93,340.00	$126,380.00	$141,540.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$88,750.00	$103,420.00	$127,050.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	$112,360.00	$169,590.00	$196,590.00
Piedmont Workforce	$83,750.00	$103,480.00	$131,190.00
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	21,100	22,600	+7.2%
Virginia	938	984	+4.9%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	201	213	+6.0%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	200	204	+2.0%
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	132	137	+3.8%
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Science and Mathematics Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

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Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Physical Scientists

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Analyzing Data or Information	4.5
Working with Computers	4.5
Getting Information	4.5
Processing Information	4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.5
Documenting/Recording Information	4.0
Thinking Creatively	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	3.5
Training and Teaching Others	3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.5
Performing Administrative Activities	2.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	2.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.0
Handling and Moving Objects	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	1.5
Performing General Physical Activities	1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	1.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Titles

Aerodynamicist
Aerophysicist
Astrophysicist
Atmospheric Physicist
Atomic Spectroscopist
Biophysics Scientist
Cloud Physicist
Consultant Electronics
Electro Optical Engineer
Electro-Optical Engineer
Electrodynamicist
Experimental Physicist
Fluid Dynamicist
Health Physicist
Laser Engineer
Mass Spectroscopist
Mathematical Physicist
Medical Physicist
Molecular Physicist
Molecular Spectroscopist
Nanotechnologist
Nuclear Physicist
Nuclear Scientist
Nuclear Spectroscopist
Optical Instrument Specialist
Optical Scientist
Physical Aerodynamicist
Physicist
Physics Professor
Radiation Control Health Physicist
Radiation Protection Technician
Research Consultant
Research Physicist
Research Professor
Research Scientist
Rheologist
Rocket Scientist
Scientist
Scientist Electronics
Space Physicist
Theoretical Physicist
Thermodynamic Physicist
Thermodynamicist
Weapons Designer
Weapons Engineer

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Physicists

Related Schools

Bridgewater College
Christopher Newport University
Emory & Henry University
George Mason University
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampton University
James Madison University
Liberty University
Longwood University
Mary Baldwin University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Radford University
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
Roanoke College
University of Lynchburg
University of Mary Washington
University of Richmond
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Union University
Washington and Lee University
William & Mary

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)