Physicists

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Physicists does

Physicists study matter, energy, and forces to understand how the universe works, from tiny atoms to massive galaxies. They conduct experiments, develop theories, and create applications ranging from medical devices to renewable energy.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a doctoral degree. About 8+ years of higher education.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$110,000. Estimated payback: ~3 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists — $103,410/yr
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists — $90,150/yr
• Environmental Restoration Planners — $82,220/yr
• Industrial Ecologists — $82,220/yr
• Climate Change Policy Analysts — $82,220/yr