GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
$160K/yr
Average Salary
8 years
Years of Education
+4%
Job Growth
21K+
Total Jobs
Study the fundamental principles that govern the natural world. Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories from observation and experiment, and devise methods for applying physical laws and theories.
$80K
Starting
$160K
Average
$239K
Senior
High School Diploma or GED
Foundation requirement for all pathways
Doctoral Degree in Physics
Typically 8 years
Start your career
Entry-level positions and internships
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3 credits · English & Writing
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9 credits · World Languages
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6 credits · World Languages
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Certification data coming soon
We're still curating the certifications and licenses for this career. In the meantime, check the role's professional association or BLS occupation page (linked above) for current credential requirements.
Field
Science & Research
Required Degree
Doctoral Degree
Time in School
8 years
Job Demand
10-Year Job Growth
+4%
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Create free account →Federal labor-market data for Physicist
Pay range
$80K–$239K
10th–90th percentile
Job growth
+4%
projected 2024–2034
Number of jobs
21K
in 2024
Slower than average
Below-average demand growth expected. Projected to grow from 21K to 22K jobs by 2034.
Typical duties
Read the full duties, work environment, and education requirements on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Open BLS page →
Direct match. BLS 'Physicists' (19-2012). Median $166,290 — **highest median in Science cluster**. 21,340 jobs.