Real World Applications:

Jobs for Physics Majors

There are plenty of reasons to consider a physics major. Jobs in a wide variety of industries require the unique skills that come from the study of this multi-faceted subject. When you have a physics degree, jobs in areas like engineering, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology all become possibilities for you. Here are just some of the many careers you could consider:

Salary information is based on 2019 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics unless indicated as being from (1) PayScale, (2) SalaryExpert, or a different source.

1. Nuclear physicist

Researching and developing safer or more efficient ways to generate nuclear power is one of the main responsibilities of a nuclear physicist. This is among the highest-paying careers in physics. You might conduct laboratory research, evaluate the safety procedures at a nuclear power plant, design medical equipment, or perform weapons inspections for the military. Most of these positions require a doctoral degree.

• Median salary: $111,567¹

2. Astronomer

Are you curious about the far reaches of the universe? Astronomers use satellites and optical and space-based telescopes to study stars, planets, and galaxies. They develop and explore theories about how stars form and how planets evolve. Most astronomers work in government research centers, though some spend much of their time in observatories.

• Average salary: $122,270

3. Materials scientist

As a materials scientist, you investigate the structure and properties of both natural and synthetic materials and find new ways to improve or adapt them for different uses. That could mean designing better prosthetic devices, developing new types of paints, or using ultrasound to uncover hidden defects in railway tracks. You could work for universities, oil and gas companies, or computer manufacturers.

• Average salary: $100,430

4. Patent agent

Law firms, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and educational institutions often call on patent agents to help get protection for a new scientific invention. Patent agents research the specifications and uses of the invention to make sure that it is unique and qualifies for a patent; they also guide the inventor through the application process. All agents must register with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

• Median salary: $99,887¹

5. Meteorologist

If you can analyze atmospheric conditions and prepare accurate weather forecasts, you can find opportunities in the broadcasting, agriculture, aviation, and aerospace industries. Some meteorologists focus on researching the causes of hurricanes or tornadoes or developing computer models of climate change. A bachelor's degree in physics is enough for some positions; those that focus on research will likely require a master's or higher.

• Average salary: $97,160

6. Data scientist

In a world that is awash with data, there is big demand for people who can organize and analyze that data to derive meaningful insights that solve business problems. Data scientists use their advanced quantitative abilities to collect, synthesize, and analyze large sets of data. They might also develop new tools or processes for data collection. A graduate degree in physics can get you started in this field.

• Median salary: $96,009¹

7. Computational scientist

Using computers to model and simulate the physical world is the job of computational scientists. The idea is to apply computing principles to scientific problems. You might investigate phenomena like fluid flow, air turbulence, or heat transfer to help energy companies, biomedical firms, or aircraft manufacturers develop better processes and products. Many employers look for candidates with a bachelor's degree in physics.

• Median salary: $90,000¹

8. Laser engineer

Designing, operating, and maintaining laser equipment requires a solid understanding of physics. Laser engineers are a specialized type of optical engineer. They might develop laser cutting systems for manufacturing firms, produce sophisticated equipment for surgical procedures, or work on navigational systems for the military. Opportunities are also available in the telecommunications and construction industries.

• Average salary: $94,658²

9. Optical engineer

Optical engineers focus on controlling and manipulating light. They apply their knowledge of the properties of light to the design and creation of things like telescopes, cameras, scanners, and fiber optics communications systems. They might come up with new products or figure out ways to improve the design of existing ones. You'll likely need a master's degree to get into this field.

• Median salary: $89,702¹

10. Quantitative research analyst

With their highly developed skills in mathematical modeling, physics grads often find opportunities in the financial world as quantitative research analysts. These professionals analyze market data and model complex financial processes in order to design and implement trading strategies that increase profits and minimize risk. It helps to have computer programming experience.

• Median salary: $86,891¹

11. Solar physicist

What causes solar flares? Can solar energy reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels? How do changes in the sun affect the climate on Earth? These are the kinds of questions that solar physicists try to answer. They observe and measure the impact of the sun. Solar physicist jobs can be found in universities, government institutes, space agencies, and energy companies.

• Average salary: $76,815

12. Aerospace systems engineer

Are you fascinated by the physics of flight? Aerospace systems engineers design, develop, test, and maintain the systems that power rockets, planes, satellites, and missiles. You could work with guidance, navigation, or control systems. Many positions are open to those with physics degrees, though you may need special security clearance for some defense-related jobs.

• Median salary: $81,248¹

13. Health physicist

The primary task of a health physicist is to make sure radiation levels stay within acceptable limits. These professionals use scientific techniques to evaluate the radiation level of different environments and make recommendations to improve people's safety. Nuclear power plants, hospitals, government agencies, and the armed services all hire health physicists.

• Median salary: $85,889¹

14. Technical writer

Documenting technical procedures and products takes top-notch writing and communication skills as well as a sound understanding of scientific phenomena. Technical writers are the bridge between the people who create the technology and the people who use it. A degree in physics can be a good foundation for this career, though training in writing or communication can also help.

• Average salary: $76,860

15. Process engineer

Determining the materials and methods that will be used to manufacture products like sensors, semiconductors, or solar panels is another way to put your physics education to good use. Process engineers use their understanding of how different materials interact to optimize the manufacturing process. Many employers look for advanced degrees.

• Median salary: $73,131¹

16. Acoustical engineer

Architectural firms and electronics manufacturers alike depend on acoustical engineers to apply their knowledge of the science of sound to the design and construction of buildings, machinery, and consumer devices. You could be minimizing noise levels for houses near an airport, optimizing the acoustics for a concert hall or recording studio, or designing audio systems for smartphones and tablets. A physics degree can get you started.

• Median salary: $73,313¹

17. Accelerator operator

Someone has to control the massive particle accelerators that are an essential part of many scientific research experiments. That someone is an accelerator operator. This role involves monitoring, adjusting, and repairing the equipment as necessary to help scientists study the behavior of subatomic particles. A solid understanding of physics can get you in the door, but you should expect to undergo lengthy on-the-job training.

• Average salary: $70,812²

18. High school physics teacher

Making the laws of nature understandable to teenagers can be a rewarding way to use your physics expertise. One survey found that more than three-quarters of those who completed a bachelor's degree in physics and went on to teach high school were satisfied with their jobs. You have to be licensed to teach public school, but some states have special certification processes for people with bachelor's degrees, so you may be able to start teaching immediately.

• Average salary: $65,930

19. Forensic firearms examiner

You need a thorough understanding of how forces affect the movement of objects to analyze evidence at a crime scene. As specialists in criminal investigation, forensic firearms examiners (also known as ballistics experts) look at tool marks, cartridge cases, and bullet fragments to figure out if a certain weapon was used in the commission of a crime. They also testify in court about their findings. Certification is available and can boost your job prospects.

• Average salary: $63,170 for all forensic science technicians

20. Seismologist

Seismologists try to figure out how and why earthquakes happen. They also study the results of earthquakes, such as tsunamis and landslides. Some seismologists conduct high-level research on the physical structure of the earth; others use controlled seismic waves to locate deposits of oil and gas deep underground. Taking geology courses as part of your physics degree can be very useful.

• Median salary: $57,391¹

21. Energy policy analyst

Developing energy strategies for government agencies, environmental organizations, and private companies is the job of an energy policy analyst. These professionals assess the environmental and financial impact of different policies and make recommendations based on their analysis. Communication skills are crucial in this field; report writing is a big part of the job.

• Median salary: $59,428¹

22. Science journalist

If you have great written and oral communication skills to go along with your physics degree, you may find opportunities with news organizations that need subject matter experts to explain scientific issues in ways that the average person can easily understand. Journalism training is helpful, but not always required.

• Average salary: $62,400

Source: https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/jobs-for-physics-majors