Occupation · SOC 19-2012
Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 5
Typical preparation
Extensive preparation
Stackable credential programs
583 mapped
Core skills
ScienceReading ComprehensionMathematicsSpeakingCritical ThinkingWritingActive ListeningActive Learning
Knowledge areas
PhysicsMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Music or sound editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query softwareExpert system softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Representative tasks
Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.Write research proposals to receive funding.Teach physics to students.Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.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.Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Standard experimental apparatus (optics tables, vacuum systems, cryostats) — set up under a postdoc's direction in a research lab.Data-acquisition software and oscilloscopes — operate per a defined SOP on assigned experiments.Numerical methods (Python, MATLAB, Mathematica) — implement standard routines for data reduction.Lab notebooks and instrument logs — maintain with timestamps and provenance for group review.Radiation- and laser-safety procedures — follow consistently in regulated lab environments.Component machining drawings — read and dimension correctly for shop submission.Routine error analysis and uncertainty propagation — carry through assigned datasets.Literature searches and reference managers — produce annotated bibliographies on graduate topics.Standard simulation tools (LTspice, Geant4, COMSOL) — run validation cases under supervision.Group-meeting presentations on weekly progress — deliver clearly to a research advisor.
developing
Independent experimental setups — design and commission within a senior investigator's program.Custom electronics and FPGA timing — specify, build, and integrate into a measurement chain.Statistical modeling and Bayesian inference — apply to noisy datasets with reproducible code.Beamtime and facility proposals — prepare and execute at synchrotron or accelerator facilities.First-author publications in disciplinary journals — produce on focused projects.Cryogenic and high-vacuum systems — maintain and troubleshoot during a multi-month run.Project schedules across parallel measurements — manage in coordination with shared facilities.Junior students and undergraduates — train on instrumentation and analysis basics.Conference talks (APS, IEEE, optical societies) — present at regional and topical meetings.Standards (calibrations, traceability, metadata) — maintain across recurring experiments.
proficient
Independent research programs — lead from hypothesis through publication at an academic or national-lab group.Major instrumentation builds — design and commission with shop, vendor, and collaborator coordination.Theoretical and computational models — derive, simulate, and benchmark against experimental data.Federal grants and lab-directed funding — author and win as a principal investigator.Cross-institutional collaborations — lead working groups within experimental consortia.Doctoral students and postdocs — advise on dissertation work and independent research arcs.Top-tier journal manuscripts — lead through revision in PRL, Nature-family, and equivalent venues.Disciplinary norms (peer review, ethics, data sharing) — steward through service to societies.Industry partnerships and licensing discussions — contribute to technology-transfer outcomes.Scientific advisory and review panels — serve at agency, lab, and journal level.
advanced
Major research initiatives and facility builds — conceive and shepherd through agency review at multi-year scale.Departments or division-scale programs — lead with hiring, mentorship, and strategic-plan responsibility.Scientific roadmaps (decadal surveys, Snowmass-style) — contribute as a recognized field leader.Doctoral and postdoctoral career pipelines — build and sustain across cohorts.Disciplinary policy and funding strategy — advise government agencies and congressional staff.International collaborations and consortia — represent the program at governance level.Major awards and recognitions — receive in keeping with sustained, field-shaping contribution.Industry–academia bridges and translational platforms — architect with sustained outcomes.Scientific publishing and society leadership — hold editorial and presidential roles.Legacy of citizens and scholars in physics — develop through training programs and outreach.
Also known as
119 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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