What Can You Do with a Physics Degree

A degree in physics can open up many career paths in science and technology. While some go on to pursue academic careers, as a physics major you won’t be limited to a job in a research lab. The best jobs for physics majors have high annual salaries and strong career growth. 

As a physics student, you can choose to work across a number of industries and government agencies. You can go on to become a ballistics expert, a theoretical physicist, or even a data scientist. Read on to find out the best jobs for physics majors. 

What Is a Physics Major?

A physics major is a degree path that offers in-depth knowledge of the concepts and laws of physics such as mass, energy, gravity, force, and motion. It also includes the theories of thermodynamics, optics, quantum mechanics, and field theory, and the evolution of the various constituents of the universe and how they interact with one another. 

Degrees in physics teach you both theoretical physics and experimental physics. Some undergraduate degrees also combine fields, like degrees in computational physics. Many go on to pursue advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctorate in physics, particularly if they want to specialize in an area, for example in the aerospace industry or as a nuclear physicist.

How to Become a Physicist: Physics Education Options 

There is a wide range of education pathways available to become a physicist. The most common route is by pursuing undergraduate or advanced degrees. Below are some of the educational options you can choose from.

Physics Associate Degree 

An associate degree ensures you gain the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to build a career. For many jobs, the entry-level education requirement is an associate degree. With an associate degree, you have the option of immediately looking for entry-level jobs or pursuing an advanced physics degree. 

Best Associate Degree Programs in Physics

• Rio Hondo College – Associate Degree in Science in Physics for Transfer (AS-T)
• University of Wisconsin-Parkside – Associate of Science Degree in Physics
• Monroe Community College – Associate of Science Degree in Physics
• Cañada College – Physics Associate in Science Degree Program
• Allen Community College – Associate Degree in Physics

Physics Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor of science degree gives you the opportunity to develop your theoretical knowledge, participate in research programs, and collaborate with others. You will be exposed to major theories like quantum mechanics, statistics, nuclear energy, properties of matter, and motion.

You need a bachelor’s degree if you wish to continue to graduate school to specialize in more advanced fields like theoretical physics, nuclear science, or atomic science. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Physics

• California Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
• University of Oxford – Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
• Stanford University – Bachelor of Science in Physics
• Harvard University – Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics

Physics Master’s Degree 

A master’s degree is a distinctive advanced degree program that is open to anyone with a science bachelor’s degree. Some schools offer this program as part of their undergraduate program. Having a master’s degree will open up senior-level roles in the field and can lead on to a PhD, if you’re interested in research. 

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Physics

• University of Sussex – Master of Science in Physics
• Brown University – Master of Science in Physics
• Northwestern University – Master of Science in Physics
• University of Houston – Master of Science in Physics
• Drexel University – Master of Science in Physics

Physics Career Overview: Is a Physics Career Worth It?

Physics Job Outlook

Physics majors have a bright outlook today. The field is set to grow at a steady rate. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physicists are projected to have employment growth of nine percent between 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average field. 

Physics Salaries

BLS reports the median salary of a physicist or astronomer with a professional or doctorate degree is $128,950. Astronomers receive a median salary of $119,730, while physicists have a median salary of $129,850. 

This is a general figure, and it’s worth noting that salaries differ depending on things like your specialization, experience, and level of education. For example, the top earners in closely related fields such as data science could see you earn $194,430.

Best Jobs for Physics Majors: What Can You Do with a Physics Degree?

Physics degrees can open doors to some of the best jobs available today. This discipline cuts across a wide range of careers and virtually all industries need these experts. Below is a list of jobs for physics majors, depending on your educational route. 

Best Physics Jobs for Coding Bootcamp Grads

Data Scientist

• Average Salary: $126,830
• Job Outlook: 22 percent 

Data scientists apply their analytical skills and knowledge to organize and analyze large and complex data sets to produce results that can be used in various ways. Data scientists are grouped under computer and information research scientists by BLS and their job outlook of 22 percent implies the field will witness impressive growth over the next few years.

DevOps Engineer

• Average Salary: $110,140
• Job Outlook: 22 percent 

Many physics majors go on to a career in software development or engineering, as there is a large crossover between the fields. DevOps engineers are professionals who bridge the gap between software development and IT operations. 

BLS groups this field under software developers, quality assurance and testers and, like data science, its projected job growth is impressive.

Backend Developer

• Average Salary: $77,200
• Job Outlook: 13 percent 

Backend developers are concerned with the ‘behind-the-scenes’ functionality of websites and applications. Their role is to design efficient systems that form the foundations of complex applications. Backend development is an ideal field for graduates who want to apply their scientific brain in a tech environment. 

Software Engineer

• Average Salary: $124,050
• Job Outlook: 22 percent
  

Software engineers work across a wide range of industries, from tech to healthcare to the space industry. They design and maintain applications based on their user or client specifications. They are responsible for the user-facing part of websites and applications. This field is one of the leading tech fields for science majors.

Data Analyst

• Average Salary: $65,810
• Job Outlook: 22 percent

Data analysts compile large volumes of data and use scientific methods and models to process them for easy understandability and use. Data analysis is a growing part of many industries today as organizations increasingly deal with large sets of data. 

Best Jobs for Physics Associate Degree Majors

Nuclear Technician

• Average Salary: $84,190
• Job Outlook: -12 percent 

Nuclear technicians have an in-depth knowledge of nuclear science. They use sophisticated equipment to assist in research on nuclear energy power generation equipment and its implications on the environment. Despite the declining need for these experts, nuclear technicians earn a high median salary regardless of their degree level because of the technicality of their field. 

Geological Technician

• Average Salary: $50,630
• Job Outlook: 9 percent

Geological technicians are responsible for monitoring and extracting natural resources. This includes things like soil, water and gas. These professionals need a strong understanding of scientific theories and methods. The entry-level education requirement for this job is an associate degree.

Health Physics Technician

• Average Salary: $49,394
• Job Outlook: 9 percent

In this role, you will assist a health physicist in an organization that works with radioactive materials. You are responsible for managing workers’ exposure to radioactivity and other occupational hazards. Alongside physicists, these professionals will continue to enjoy a nine percent industry growth for the next decade.

Physics Teacher

• Average Salary: $62,870
• Job Outlook: 8 percent 

Physics teachers provide students with basic knowledge of the natural sciences. Good teachers have excellent communication skills to build their interest in the subject and inspire them to potentially continue in the field to an advanced level. Careers in education tend to be stable and rewarding. The median salary for a high school teacher is $62,870.

Research Assistant

• Average Salary: $42,811 
• Job Outlook: 17 percent

If you’re interested in an academic career, you can look for a job as a research assistant after completing an associate degree. A job as a research assistant will enable you to work on real-world research projects. This will boost your application to a graduate program or your future job hunt.

Best Jobs for Physics Bachelor’s Degree Majors

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Nuclear Engineer

• Average Salary: $116,140
• Job Outlook: – 8 percent

To become a nuclear engineer you’ll typically need at least an undergraduate degree that specializes in nuclear engineering. This will give you extensive knowledge of nuclear physics and the processes involved in the manipulation of atomic nuclei.

You’ll typically work for the government or a nuclear energy company. Despite a negative growth outlook, there is no denying that it is a lucrative field once you’re in it, with an average salary of 

Materials Scientist

• Average Salary: $99,460
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

A bachelor’s degree can help you secure a role as a materials scientist. Material scientists study the structural composition and chemical properties of various materials, including natural and synthetic materials. 

Geoscientist

• Average Salary: $93,580
• Job Outlook: 7 percent

Geoscience is the study of the earth and its biological processes, structure, and composition. Geoscientists spend a lot of time out of the office and working in the field, using sophisticated equipment to study and research natural resources for environmental protection and preservation. Choosing to specialize in geoscience can lead to a varied, high-paying career. 

Physicist

• Average Salary: $83,250
• Job Outlook: 7 percent

A physicist works primarily in academic studies. There are many types of physicists, including experimental physicists, theoretical physicists, and computational physicists.

The role revolves around the advanced study of the laws of nature. You’ll develop and conduct experiments, and write and present research papers. Physics majors who pursue this field enjoy a high median salary and the chance to develop groundbreaking scientific theories.

Forensic Scientist

• Average Salary: $60,590
• Job Outlook: 16 percent
  Forensic scientists and ballistic experts spend their careers solving real-life crimes. Forensic science is concerned with the scientific analysis of crime scene evidence to provide actionable insights in criminal investigations. Forensic scientists and ballistic experts will see steady career growth over the next few years.

Best Jobs for Physics Master’s Degree Majors

Computer and Information Research Scientist

• Average Salary: $126,830
• Job Outlook: 22 percent

As a graduate student, you have the option of building a research career in this exciting field. You can take advantage of a lucrative career as a computer and information research scientist, enjoy the high median salary and employment growth.

Mathematician

• Average Salary: $110,860
• Job Outlook: 33 percent

Mathematics is an alternative field you could move into. During your undergraduate degree, you’ll have learned a broad range of mathematical principles and models. A career in mathematics will not only ensure an attractive median salary but will also find many opportunities in the job market, with a projected 33 percent growth until 2030.

Optical Engineer

• Average Salary: $100,830
• Job Outlook: 7 percent

Optical engineering is an aspect of electrical engineering. It focuses on ​detecting, generating, and manipulating light to create new and exciting technologies. This could involve working on fiber optics, lasers, or medical tools. ​A career in this field has a positive employment growth of seven percent from 2020 to 2030. 

Materials Engineer

• Average Salary: $95,640
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

A career in the materials engineering field is worth considering if you’re looking for a high salary and a stable employment growth rate. In addition, this exciting field allows you to participate in scientific advancements based on its focus on processing materials for industrial and commercial production.

Nanotechnology Engineer

• Average Salary: $92,620
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

Nanotechnology engineers are concerned with the forms of matter at the nanoscale and how the interactions of matter can lead to technological innovations. Nanotechnology engineers work with atoms and molecules and apply them in designing tools and devices.

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Physics

1. Broaden your knowledge of physics. It’s a broad field, covering a huge amount of topics. It’s a good idea to get a broad knowledge of both before specializing.
2. Gain research experience. As an experimental discipline, you’ll need strong knowledge of scientific research methods to succeed in this career path.
3. Pick a specialization. Because of how broad the field is, you cannot be an expert in all spheres. Pick a career path that appeals the most to you and focus on it.
   

The application of physics to all economic and industrial spheres cannot be overstated. Because of the integral and diverse nature of this discipline, graduates in this field will continue to enjoy an unparalleled relevance across the best tech careers and science-related industries.