Physicists conduct research into the nature of physical phenomena, develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply the laws and theories of physics to industry, medicine, and other fields.   
 

JOB DUTIES   

Physicists may:  

Perform complex calculations as a part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers

Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms

Devise procedures for conducting research  

Conduct research into physical phenomena  

Supervise scientific activities in research  

Develop theories and laws based on observation and experiments  

Design or modify instruments used in experiments or production  

Devise procedures for the physical testing of materials  

Determine physical properties of materials  

Train technicians to assist with experiments  

Work as consultants and write for professional journals and other media  

Supervise graduate students  

Communicate with other scientists to keep up with new research  

Teach in colleges and universities

Click here to find out more information on a career in Physics!   

The tools and equipment used may include: 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Physicists may specialize in these areas: 

023.061-014 PHYSICISTS conduct research into the nature of physical phenomena, develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply the laws and theories of physics to industry, medicine, and other fields.  

023.061-014 ACOUSTICAL PHYSICISTS study sound and its transmission.  

015.021-010 HEALTH PHYSICISTS are concerned with problems of radiation in the production and use of radioactive materials and devices. They direct research, training, and monitoring programs to protect personnel and the environment from radiation and related hazards.  

023.061-014 NUCLEAR PHYSICISTS study the nature and characteristics of atomic nuclei (the central cores of atoms).  

023.061-014 SOLID STATE PHYSICISTS study the structure and properties of matter in solid state that result from the association of atoms and molecules.  

023.061-014 FLUID AND PLASMA PHYSICISTS investigate the flow of fluids, liquids, and gases. Plasma Physicists are interested in electrically charged fluids, whereas Fluid Physicists are interested in uncharged fluids.  

079.021-014 MEDICAL PHYSICISTS apply knowledge and procedures of the science of physics to the field of medicine in order to address problems related to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The areas they work in include the use of radiation in diagnosis, therapy, and treatment; X-ray equipment; the medical uses of ultrasound and infrared; bioelectrical investigation of the brain and heart; and applications of computers in medicine.  

023.067-010 THEORETICAL PHYSICIST designs, conceives and interprets experiments in physics and formulates theories consistent with the data obtained.   

  Physicists may specialize in such fields as:  

023.061-014 ASTROPHYSICS PHYSICIST  

023.061-014 ATOMIC, ELECTRONIC and MOLECULAR  

023.061-014 CRYOGENICS PHYSICIST  

023.061-014 ELECTRICITY and MAGNETISM PHYSICIST  

023.061-014 LIGHT and OPTICS PHYSICIST  

023.061-014 SOLID EARTH PHYSICIST  

023.061-014 THERMODYNAMICS PHYSICIST  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Physicists may work alone or with other members of a research team. Many Physicists work in clean, well lighted laboratories, offices, and classrooms. Some work in the field under varying conditions.  

Physicists may be exposed to hazardous radiation, high voltage electrical equipment, and toxic materials. Some may work in guarded settings if involved in national security.  

Physicists often work longer than 40 hours per week. Hours are usually set by the individual's work habits and the nature of the project.  

Certain types of research projects may require Physicists to travel. Some or all of the expenses may be paid for by the employer.  

Physicists may join a member organization of The American Institute of Physics . Members pay periodic dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which provide satisfaction from seeing the results of work 

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic and follow step-by-step procedures in your work 

• Understand the meanings and relationships of words 

• Communicate well, both orally and in writing 

• Understand and use methods of scientific investigation 

• Understand and use mathematical concepts 

• Visualize objects and procedures from printed materials 

• Detect differences and details in objects, pictures and charts 

• Detect differences and details in the results of research 

• Rate information/make decisions based on personal judgment 

• Rate information/make decisions based on verifiable information 

• Plan and direct an entire activity or the activities of others 

• Exercise patience, endurance, and enthusiasm for work 

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

How do measurements of time differ for events in a frame of reference that moves at 99.5 percent the speed of light relative to us?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

Most of the energy of muon-catalyzed fusion is in the form of kinetic energy--mainly of the neutrons that are ejected in the reaction. During this type of fusion most reactions eject the muons as well, which go on to catalyze other fusion reactions.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

Write an article about the Theory of Relativity for a professional journal.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

When you are engaging in experiment, you need to be able to make decisions quickly and accurately.  

Advanced college degrees in physics or a closely related field are almost essential for most entry-level positions. Persons working for the government may have to pass a civil service exam and receive security clearance. Firms engaged in federally sponsored research may also be required to obtain security clearance.  

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES   

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school); a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***   

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 1600 FOREIGN LANGUAGE , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***   

137   PHYSICS  

Programs in Physics provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in industry, government, and education in careers requiring the science of Physics. Some of the many areas of interest to the Physicist include matter, energy, force, light, sound, electricity, and nuclear reactions. Individuals who teach Physics at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.  

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:   

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program   

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***   

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***   

Please check Military web site at  http://www.myfuture.com .  

PHYSICISTS   

What They Do

Physicists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Plan and conduct experiments in aerodynamics, optics, geophysics, biophysics, and astrophysics

• Conduct research to improve methods of radiation detection and protection

• Analyze strength, flexibility, weight, and other properties of metals, plastics, and other materials

• Conduct studies regarding the use of nuclear-powered engines

• Write technical reports on experiments performed

• Assist in research and development projects to improve radio and other communications equipment

• Oversee research projects under contract to universities and industrial firms

• Manage laboratories or field staff to conduct experiments

Special Requirements  

A 4-year college degree in physics, chemistry, or nuclear engineering is required to enter this occupation. Some specialties require a master's degree.  

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful attributes include:

Interest in scientific and technical work

• Interest in mathematics and physics

• Interest in conducting research and analytical studies

  Work Environment  

Physicists usually work in research and development laboratories.  

Training Provided  

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation.  

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian physicists work primarily in research and development for private industry, colleges and universities, and government agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military physicists. Civilian physicists usually specialize in one area of physics, such as nuclear, astronomical, health, or medical physics.  

Opportunities

On average, the services need new Physicists each year. Newly commissioned Physicists work as part of research teams. With experience, they may lead research projects of their own. After demonstrating leadership abilities, they may advance to senior management positions in a variety of scientific fields.   

E-Learning Courses and Programs      

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Opportunities for experience and exploration are limited without education and training. Students may obtain a better idea of what Physicists do through summer jobs or by joining a science club in high school. Postsecondary programs in physics may offer opportunities as well. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is one of the federal agencies which participate in the cooperative education program, offering the chance to gain work experience and an income while going to college.

Military service may also offer experience.   

School-to-Work opportunities include: 

Informal apprenticeships  

Mentorships  

Job shadowing experiences

Touring a local Physicist employer

Internships

Volunteer work with a Physicist employer

Community service work with an agency

Persons seeking work as Physicists may apply at a college or university placement offices and physics departments, personnel offices in private industry, or federal civil service offices. Placement bureaus operated at conventions of the major national associations and ads in professional journals are sources of prospective employers. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT   

Earnings of Physicists depend on the place of employment, level of education, and experience.

Nationally, in mid 2009 graduates of programs in physics were offered annual starting salaries of:

Depending on their college records, beginning Physicists in the federal government earned (2009):

The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Entry-Level Physicists working in private industry in the United States earned average annual salaries of $69,300 in mid 2009.  Senior-Level Physicists (3-5 years experience), earned average annual salaries of $93,000. Highly experienced Physicists (5 to 8+ years experience) averaged $118,600 per year. The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

Faculty members, including Physics teachers in the East North Central area, which includes Michigan, working in colleges and universities earned the following average annual salaries for the 2007-08 school year:

Physicists may supplement their incomes by teaching, writing, doing special research projects, and consulting.

Physicists who work for colleges, universities, or the federal government receive the same benefits as do other employees of those institutions. Included are life and health insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and pension plans. Some employers may also offer stock purchase or savings plans.

Physicists may advance to higher positions depending on their experience, education, and ability. Those with a Ph.D. degree are most likely to advance. Physicists in federal government agencies are advanced in grade and salary as they gain experience.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were an estimated 16,500 Physicists employed in 2006. A similar number of additional persons taught physics in colleges and universities. Employment is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. A limited number of openings are expected each year as Physicists retire, die, or change their line of work. The industry distribution for Physicists looked like this:   

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Historically, many physicists and astronomers have been employed on research projects-often defense-related. Because defense expenditures are expected to increase over the next decade, employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow. The need to replace physicists and astronomers who retire will, however, account for most expected job openings.   

The Federal Government funds numerous noncommercial research facilities. The Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), whose missions include a significant physics component, are largely funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) or the Department of Defense (DOD), and their R&D budgets did not keep pace with inflation during much of the 1990s. However, Federal budgets have recently increased for physics-related research at these centers, as well as other agencies such as NASA. If R&D funding continues to grow at these agencies, job opportunities for physicists and astronomers, especially those dependent on Federal research grants, should be better than they have been in many years.   

Although research and development budgets in private industry will continue to grow, many research laboratories in private industry are expected to continue to reduce basic research, which includes much physics research, in favor of applied or manufacturing research and product and software development. Nevertheless, many persons with a physics background continue to be in demand in the areas of information technology, semiconductor technology, and other applied sciences. This trend is expected to continue; however, many of these positions will be under job titles such as computer software engineer, computer programmer, engineer, and systems developer, rather than physicist.   

Approximately 350 Physicists and astronomers were employed in Michigan. Many Physicists worked in the electronic component industry or in Michigan colleges and universities.   

Employment of Physicists and astronomers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. All openings expected will be due to the replacement of those who retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Nearly all of these positions will be for Physicists rather than astronomers.   

Most employment gains will be in the academic sector, since a number of colleges and university Physics faculty will become eligible for retirement. This factor, along with a lower number of physics graduates should create a favorable employment situation. Some Physicists with advanced degrees will be needed to teach in colleges and universities. However, competition for these jobs is expected to be keen, as the number of teachers needed decreases because of moderately declining student enrollments in physics programs. Despite strong competition for traditional physics research jobs, individual with a Physics degree at any level will find their skills useful for entry to many other occupations, such as engineering, technician, mathematics and computer- and environmental- related occupations.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

            
Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth