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

The services have about 100 Physicists. On average, they need 10 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   

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 participates 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.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

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

Nationally, in late 2005 graduates of programs in physics were offered annual starting salaries of:

Depending on their college records, beginning Physicists in the federal government earned (2006):

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 $61,372 in early 2006.  Senior-Level Physicists (3-5 years experience), earned average annual salaries of $71,700. Highly experienced Physicists (5-8+ years experience) averaged $78,400 per year. The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $33,852 in 2005.

Faculty members, including Physics teachers in the East North Central area, that includes Michigan , working in colleges and universities earned the following average annual salaries for the 2005-06 school year:

Physicists employed by the State of Michigan earned between $32,865 and $72,600 per year in mid 2006.

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.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were an estimated 14,900 Physicists employed in 2004. A similar number of additional persons taught physics in colleges and universities. Employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. 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:

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 225 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 more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Less than 10 openings are expected, with the majority of them 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 college 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.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.