Physicists
Physicists conduct research into the nature of matter, energy, and fundamental forces by developing theories based on observation and experimentation. They work in laboratories, universities, government research facilities, and private industry, applying physical laws to solve practical problems and advance scientific understanding.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physicists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A physicist's week typically involves designing and running experiments, analyzing data using specialized equipment and software, and collaborating with other researchers. Time is split between lab work, reviewing scientific literature, writing code for simulations, attending meetings, and documenting findings. Progress often requires troubleshooting failed experiments, recalibrating instruments, and revising hypotheses based on results.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be drawn to investigating how things work and solving complex problems through systematic observation. You prefer hands-on work with concrete materials and data, and you have strong logical reasoning skills and patience for detailed experimental work and analysis.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- HEALTH PHYSICIST · United States Fleet Forces Command · Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia · $62640–$118092
- Direct Hire Public Notice - Health Physicist/Physical Scientist · Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Multiple Locations · $86844–$158322
- Quantum Physicist · National Institute of Standards and Technology · Gaithersburg, Maryland · $85447–$133142
- Therapeutic Medical Physicist · Veterans Health Administration · Northport, New York · $179349–$228000
- Health Physicist · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Cincinnati, Ohio · $154100–$197200
- Therapeutic Medical Physicist · Veterans Health Administration · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma · $158210–$205675
- Direct Hire Public Notice - Health Physicist · Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Rockville, Maryland · $143913–$187093
- HEALTH PHYSICIST (TRAINING) · United States Fleet Forces Command · Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia · $75788–$118092
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $153,980 | $225,390 | $285,400 | 340 |
| New Hampshire | $145,220 | $214,030 | $267,600 | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | $150,950 | $210,990 | $231,190 | 230 |
| California | $173,450 | $207,490 | $222,760 | 5,930 |
| Oregon | $148,800 | $200,320 | $277,840 | 90 |
| Oklahoma | $64,510 | $200,050 | $233,080 | 40 |
| Texas | $95,530 | $184,040 | $253,070 | 580 |
| New York | $131,600 | $181,970 | $221,590 | 1,140 |
| Kentucky | $120,100 | $180,910 | $232,170 | 50 |
| Connecticut | $148,460 | $180,300 | $269,440 | 60 |
| Iowa | $104,970 | $178,110 | $218,520 | 110 |
| Maryland | $132,560 | $174,390 | $195,190 | 1,200 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Health Physicist (CHP) — American Academy of Health Physics
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physicists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-2012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.