If it weren't for physics, the modern world wouldn't have many life-changing discoveries including television, laser technology, computer, nuclear weapons, and radio. Not to mention some of the biggest theories such as the big bang, quantum theory and many more. If you’re considering online physics classes, or you’re already studying a physics degree program as an undergraduate and are considering your next steps after graduation, it’s only natural to spend some time thinking about what kind of jobs you might be able to get with a physics degree. A physics career path offers lucrative and plentiful employment opportunities across the STEM landscape (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Read on to get a comprehensive overview of what can you do with a physics degree and what jobs can fit your expertise and profile!
| 👨🏾‍🔬 Career | 💸 Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $116,500 |
| Computer Research Scientist | $122,840 |
| Physicist | $122,850 |
| Astronomer | $114,590 |
| Nuclear Engineer | $113,460 |
| Biophysicist | $94,490 |
| Actuary | $108,350 |
| Professor | $114,134 |
| Data Scientist | $117,345 |
| Environmental Physicist | $99,000 |
| Optical Engineer | $120,000 |
| Medical Physicist | $130,000 |
| Geophysicist | $110,000 |
| Acoustical Engineer | $102,500 |
| Photonics Engineer | $125,000 |
| Materials Scientist | $230,000 |
| Quantum Computing Researcher | $120,000 |
| Financial Analyst (Quant) | $150,000 |
| Patent Examiner / IP Specialist | $110,000 |
| Science Writer | $100,000 |
Understanding the Demand for Physics-Related Careers
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.
Albert Einstein
Career versatility in physics is one of the most appealing aspects for prospective students. Physics graduates can take their education (whether it's bachelors or doctorate) and apply to diverse sectors such as; technology, medicine, space exploration, astronomy, nuclear physics, and many more.
Graduates who opt for a physics career hone highly valued skills that are in high demand in various sectors. These skills include data analysis, problem-solving, logical reasoning, mathematical knowledge, calculation, and a better understanding of science. The demand for these highly transferable and professional skill sets also means physics graduates earn more. There are many high paying physics jobs to choose from! The average salary of a physics graduate is around $40,000 - $60,000, while those who do majors in physics are more likely to earn $100,000.
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Top 20 High-Paying Physics Careers
Some of the best companies in the world are looking for physics graduates to hire. In this section, we're going to highlight some of the highest paying jobs with physics degree ranging from bachelor's to doctorate degrees that could set your career path to a success.
1. Aerospace Engineer
🎓 Education: Bachelor's Degree
If you are proficient with numbers and math, have an excellent grasp of interpretation, and understand the interaction of speed and air, this position is a perfect role for you. The responsibility of an aerospace engineer includes product design and structure analysis of spacecraft like planes, rockets, and satellites (sometimes also military equipment like missiles). Aerospace engineers design and create test prototypes of spacecraft and aircraft. Beyond these responsibilities, they also interpret and analyze flight data and test products. This entry-level job role requires only a bachelor's degree in physics with or without experience with an average salary of $116,000.
2. Computer Research Scientist
🎓 Education: Master's Degree
A computer research scientist is one of the most high-paid job roles in the US physics industry. This position brings an outstanding salary of $122,840 which can increase with prior experience in the physics or computing field. As a computer research scientist, you will be responsible for developing new and innovative approaches to computer technology. The tasks include data processing, implementing new computer languages, analyzing results, designing software, and corresponding findings in a scientific journal. A master's degree in physics or computer science is required for this position. However, a bachelor's degree in physics can serve as a great start to an entry-level role in this position.
3. Physicist
🎓 Education: Doctorate Degree
Out of all the physics-related careers you can pursue, being a physicist is the most obvious. It's one of the most advanced and valuable positions which can help you join the works of Newton, Tesla, Einstein, and Galileo. This career position requires extensive research and analysis of technical papers and reports about the law of physics. The responsibilities of this position include developing scientific theories, designing mathematical formulas, performing product quality control, and interpreting methods to analyze the interaction between energy and matter.
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4. Astronomer
🎓 Education: Doctorate Degree
Another one of the highest paying jobs in physics is astronomy. Astronomy is a wide range that deals with the interaction of stars, sun, moon, galaxy, and cosmos. This field is relatively connected with physics. Therefore, having a bachelor's or master's degree in physics can help you kickstart your career as an astronomer. The core responsibility of an astronomer is to study planets, galaxies, and moons, use particular technology, and understand equations to predict cosmic events. Duties as an astronomer include formulating hypotheses, conducting research on that hypotheses developing theoretical models based on physics about astronomical phenomena. Being an astronomer opens a successful physics career path with high financial and academic rewards.
Did you know that everything on Earth is constantly falling toward the Sun? We just don’t notice it because our planet’s sideways motion keeps it in orbit. That’s gravity and velocity working together, the same physics that keeps satellites circling Earth!
5. Nuclear Engineer
🎓 Education: Bachelor's Degree
Nuclear engineering requires at least a bachelor's degree in physics. As a physics graduate, getting a position as a nuclear engineer can pave the road to a successful career. The responsibilities typically include designing and developing nuclear equipment such as radiation shielding, reactor cores, and up-keeping of instruments. Physics graduates who are proficient in directing maintenance activities of nuclear power plants are the best fit for this position.
What are some of the best universities for physics in the United-States?
6. Biophysicist
🎓 Education: Doctorate Degree
As the name implies, biophysicists combine the principles of physics and biology to develop various techniques and methods related to science. It's not the most high-paid job, but it has a median salary of $94,000, however, with dedication and focus, you can quickly increase your earnings by over $182,000. As a biophysicist, the education requirements are minimum bachelors and masters in physics. The core duties are conducting and designing complex science research projects and operations to analyze the effects of substances such as; drugs and hormones on biological processes.
7. Actuary
🎓 Education: Bachelor's Degree
An actuary is one of the most successful entry-level jobs on the physics career list. It requires a bachelor's degree in physics. As an actuary, your duties involve analyzing the financial cost of risk, compiling data, completing mathematical formulas, organizing data-based information, and performing different numerical tasks. Those who choose actuary as an entry-level job must have a good understanding of the financial aspects.
8. Professor
🎓 Education: Bachelor's degree in physics or a similar discipline
Physics graduates who have a keen interest in pursuing academia might consider becoming physics professors. To become a professor, one has to do a PhD. Apart from lecturing, professors conduct their research papers, perform conferences, and submit to peer-reviewed journals. It's one of the valuable physics careers that allow individuals to improve student learning. The responsibilities as a professor are providing academic counseling and tutoring to the students engaging in research and co-curricular activities. Many people wonder what can you do with a physics degree. Deciding to become a professor is a great option and one of the high paying physics jobs!
9. Data Scientist
🎓 Education: Bachelor's Degree
Data scientists can essentially convert a big chunk of data into actionable insights. What does this help in? Several fields, ranging from medical to security. As a result, data scientists are in demand to help organizations solve various business issues. The responsibility of a data scientist involves analyzing data, performing scale experimentation, and developing successful data mining strategies. Physics graduates with strong quantitative and calculative backgrounds can significantly benefit from this position.
10. Environmental Physicist
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physics or Environmental Science
Environmental physicists apply physics to study environmental systems such as the atmosphere, oceans, and climate. They work on renewable energy, pollution control, and climate modeling. This role allows you to make a difference while using scientific knowledge.
11. Optical Engineer
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physics or Optical Engineering
Optical engineers design lenses, lasers, and imaging systems used in medicine, defense, and communications. They apply knowledge of light and optics to build precise equipment like cameras and microscopes.
12. Medical Physicist
🎓 Education: Master’s or Doctorate in Medical Physics
Medical physicists work in hospitals and clinics, helping to diagnose and treat patients using radiation and imaging technologies. They ensure medical machines are safe and accurate, often collaborating with doctors and radiologists.
13. Geophysicist
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physics or Geophysics
Geophysicists use physics to study the Earth’s structure and natural processes. They often work in energy, mining, or environmental research, using instruments to study seismic activity or explore underground resources.
14. Acoustical Engineer
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physics or Engineering
Still looking for the highest paying jobs in physics? Acoustical engineers focus on sound and vibration. They help design concert halls, reduce industrial noise, and improve audio systems. This field suits students who love both science and music or sound technology.
15. Photonics Engineer
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s in Physics or Electrical Engineering
Photonics engineers work with light-based technologies such as lasers, fiber optics, and sensors. Their work supports communication networks, medical equipment, and scientific instruments.
16. Materials Scientist
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physics or Materials Science
Materials scientists study and develop new materials like metals, plastics, or semiconductors. Their work supports industries such as electronics, energy, and aerospace. Physics students with an interest in chemistry often do well here.
A single teaspoon of a neutron star would weigh about six billion tons. That’s more than all the cars on Earth combined! It’s a perfect example of how extreme and mind-bending physics can be when matter is compressed to its limits.
17. Quantum Computing Researcher
🎓 Education: Master’s or PhD in Physics or Computer Science
Quantum researchers explore how to use quantum mechanics to develop new types of computers. This career involves both theoretical and experimental work and is ideal for students who enjoy advanced physics and programming.
18. Financial Analyst (Quantitative)
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physics or Finance
Financial analysts, often called quants, use mathematical models to predict market trends and manage risk. Many banks and investment firms hire physics graduates for their strong analytical and statistical abilities.
19. Patent Examiner or IP Specialist
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s in Physics; law training optional for IP roles
Patent specialists review and evaluate technical inventions for patents. A physics background helps them understand complex technologies. Some go on to work in patent law or technology licensing.
20. Science Writer
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s in Physics or Journalism
Science writers explain technical ideas to the public through articles, reports, or media work. This path is great for students who enjoy writing and communication as much as science.
Ready to Advance Your Physics Career?
Employment opportunities for physics majors are available across a wide range of industries. However, do you have all the skills and training required to avail yourself of high-paid opportunities? Going to a trade school or attending online courses can be a great way to hone your skills to complement your physics degree. Online lessons from Superprof offer career-focused and professional learning that could put you on the path to a successful and lucrative physics-related career. Secure a salary matching one of the aforementioned career paths by kickstarting your physics study today! Discover physics tutors near me on Superprof so you can improve your skills and get ready to advance your career.
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