Physicists
SOC code 19-2012 · O*NET-SOC 19-2012.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering
Physicists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$172,250
a year
Hourly
$82.81
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$171,180
$82.30 per hour
Middle 50%
$111,720 – $222,760
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$82,110 – $274,110
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
20,430
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $82,110
- $39.48/hr
- 25th percentile
- $111,720
- $53.71/hr
- Median percentile
- $172,250
- $82.81/hr
- 75th percentile
- $222,760
- $107.10/hr
- 90th percentile
- $274,110
- $131.79/hr
What does a physicist do?
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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 a physicist
Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 49% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Doctoral Degree49%
- Post-Doctoral Training39%
- Post-Master's Certificate8%
- Bachelor's Degree4%
Common questions
How much does a physicist earn?
The national median is $172,250 a year. The full range runs from $82,110 at the 10th percentile to $274,110 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a physicist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is 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 education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Science4.9/5
- Critical Thinking4.6/5
- Reading Comprehension4.5/5
- Speaking4.5/5
- Mathematics4.5/5
- Active Learning4.5/5
- Writing4.4/5
- Active Listening4.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Physics4.9/5
- Mathematics4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.1/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- Chemistry3.0/5
- Design2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving.