10 Great Jobs for Physics Majors
10 Great Jobs for Physics Majors
If you have the skills and the work ethic to earn a degree in physics, you can look forward to an exciting career that’s rich with options and possibilities. It’s a great time to pursue a degree in physics!
Average Base Salary: $83,490/yr
Related Titles: Physicist, Research Assistant, Researcher, Research Associate, Research Analyst
Description: Research scientists take on a broad range of tasks which may include conducting experiments, documenting their findings, managing staff, reading peer research, presenting research papers and more. Both the private and public sector hire for research scientists, with opportunities at companies, universities and government agencies alike.
2. Professor
Average Base Salary: $114,134/yr
Related Titles: Adjunct Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Graduate Assistant
Those interested in a career in academia might consider becoming a professor. Beyond lecturing students, many professors conduct their own research, write research papers, submit to peer-reviewed journals, attend conferences and more.
Average Base Salary: $57,321/yr
Related Titles: Science Teacher, Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Teacher Aide
If you want to instruct students, but prefer a less research-focused role, a job as a high school physics teacher could be the best option for you. Although education is not the highest-paying field, physics teachers often command a higher salary than others due to their specialized background. What’s more, many education professionals find it to be a deeply rewarding career.
Average Base Salary: $117,345/yr
Related Titles: Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Business Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer
Due to high job satisfaction, salaries and number of open jobs, Glassdoor recently named Data Scientist as the #1 Best Job in America for the fourth year in a row. Data Scientists are tasked with analyzing, interpreting and deriving actionable insights from large quantities of data, making it a perfect job for physics majors with strong quantitative backgrounds.
5. Lab Manager
Average Base Salary: $57,321/yr
Related Titles: Lab Technician, Lab Assistant, Lab Supervisor
Lab Managers are responsible for the productivity and safety of laboratory settings. On a day-to-day basis, a lab manager might coordinate schedules, manage the budget, communicate and uphold safety standards, manage inventory, delegate tasks and more.
Average Base Salary: $129,183/yr
Related Titles: Physicist, Health Physicist, Radiation Therapist
Medical Physicists combine their knowledge of radiology/radiation and the human body in order to research and develop treatments, consult and educate medical professionals and oversee the implementation and operation of radiology/radiation.
7. Astronomer
Average Base Salary: $117,220/yr
Related Titles: Physicist, Astrophysicist
Astronomers study stars, planets, the sun and outer space in order to learn more about the universe and how it works. They are typically employed by governmental agencies, such as NASA or the Department of Defense. Typically, they spend their time observing telescopes, writing research papers, attending conferences, reading research and more.
Average Base Salary: $100,503/yr
Related Titles: Laser Engineer
Optical Engineers use their knowledge of the physics of light to design optical instruments and equipment, like lenses, sensors, lasers, telescopes, microscopes, binoculars and many more. In order to do this, they conduct research, sketch out product designs that meet the given specifications, collaborate with manufacturers to bring their ideas to life, and test and optimize their products.
Average Base Salary: $89,195
Related Titles: Aircraft Engineer, Rocket Propulsion Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design aircraft and spacecraft like planes, satellites and rockets. Beyond product design, they also analyze and interpret flight data, test their products and often work directly with clients in order to ensure products meet given specifications.
10. Geophysicist
Average Base Salary: $98,348/yr
Related Titles: Petroleum Engineer, Geologist, Environmental Scientist
Geophysicists use their knowledge of the physics of the earth in a wide variety of applications. Geophysicists may draw upon their skills to predict earthquakes, locate natural resources like oil or supervise excavation. In order to do so, they often combine surveying and fieldwork with data analysis.
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