Physics: Now What?
A physics degree can lead you to a broad range of science, engineering, and technology careers.
About one out of six physics bachelor’s degree recipients in the United States go on to earn a physics or astronomy PhD, and only about 30% of those work in academia.
The others have fulfilling careers in the private sector, in government agencies or national laboratories, and in other sectors.
Check out the American Institute of Physics for more information on careers in physics.
Also check out the You Have Options infographic from the Society of Physics Students.
What Does a Physicist Do?
Physicists study the interactions of matter and energy. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers. Physicists typically do the following:
- Develop scientific theories and models to explain the properties of the natural world, such as atom formation
- Plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and discover properties of matter and energy
- Write proposals and apply for research grants
- Do complex mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data, such as finding new planets in distant solar systems
- Design scientific equipment, such as telescopes and lasers
- Develop computer software to analyze and model data
- Write scientific papers that may be published in scholarly journals
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and lectures
Physicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter. Some physicists study theoretical areas, such as the fundamental nature of atoms and molecules and the evolution of the universe. Others design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers. On the basis of their observations and analysis, they try to discover and formulate laws that explain the forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. Others apply their knowledge of physics to practical areas, such as the development of advanced materials and medical equipment.
Many physicists do basic research with the aim of increasing scientific knowledge. For example, they may develop theories to better explain what gravity is or how the universe was formed.
Others do applied research, using knowledge gained from basic research to develop new devices, processes, and other practical applications. Their work may lead to advances in areas such as energy, electronics, communications, navigation, and medical technology. For example, lasers are now used in surgery and microwave technology is now in most kitchens.
If you are considering graduate school, be sure to find research opportunities as part of your undergraduate work.
A PhD in physics, astronomy, or a related field is needed for most jobs, especially those in basic research or in independent research in industry. A typical PhD program takes about five to seven years to complete. After receiving a PhD in physics or astronomy, many begin their careers in a temporary postdoctoral research position, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years. Physicists also may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics.
What Can You Do With a Physics Bachelor's Degree?
Physics majors find jobs in a wide variety of settings including companies doing technical research or development, insurance or finance companies doing large-scale data analytics, national labs, hospitals, law firms, engineering firms -- many places where creative thinking, quantitative analysis and model building are needed. Other physics majors teach in schools at K-12 or college levels. Other students go to graduate school first to earn a PhD or Masters in Physics or something close to physics.
AIP's list of Massachusetts employers who recently hired new physics bachelor recipients.
Quick Facts: Physicist
Found on the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- 2021 Median Pay: $147,450 per year
- Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree
- Number of Jobs, 2020: 19,500
- Job Outlook, 2020-30: 8% (Faster than average)
- Employment Change, 2020-30: 1,600
Some of the Largest Companies and Industries That Hire PhD Physicists
(Check out their employment pages for internship or job opportunities, but keep in mind that this list doesn’t reflect all companies or ones that are necessarily hiring right now):
- Raytheon
- IBM
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Lucent Technologies
- Boeing Company
- Eastman Kodak Company
- Science Applications International Corporation
- General Atomics
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- AT&T
- Schlumberger Limited
- Motorola Incorporated
- Rockwell International Corporation
- Seagate Technologies
- Osram Sylvania
- Maxwell Optical Industries
- Varian Associates
- 3M Company
Important Transferable Qualities to Include on Your Resume (Whether You're Pursuing a Job in Physics or Not):
- Advanced mathematical skills. Physicists perform complex calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of mathematics. They must be able to express their research in mathematical terms.
- Analytical skills. Physicists need to be able to carry out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analysis because errors could invalidate their research.
- Critical-thinking skills. Physicists must carefully evaluate their own work and the work of others. They must determine whether results and conclusions are based on sound science.
- Interpersonal skills. Physicists must collaborate extensively with others—in both academic and industrial research contexts. They need to be able to work well with others towards a common goal.
- Problem-solving skills. Physicists use scientific observation and analysis to solve complex scientific questions.
- Speaking skills. Physicists present their research at scientific conferences, to the public, or to company management and other employees.
- Writing skills. Astronomers write reports that may be published in scientific journals. They also write proposals for research funding.
What Do Employers Look For?
(Source: NACE Job Outlook 2022, Courtesy of the National Association of College and Employers | www.naceweb.org)
Top 10 Things Employers Look for on Your Resume
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical/quantitative skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (written)
- Initiative
- Strong work ethic
- Technical skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Detail-oriented
- Leadership
7 Things That Give You an Advantage in the Job Market
- Internship with the organization
- Internship within the industry
- Major
- Leadership position
- General work experience
- Extracurricular activities
- High GPA (3.0 or above)