Washtenaw Community College

Most physicists work in research jobs. In a broad sense, their work relates to the fundamental laws of nature and how different properties of matter relate to one another. Areas of specialization in physics include elementary particle physics; atomic, electron, and molecular physics; optics; acoustics; and the physics of fluids.

Physicists with doctoral degrees have the highest salaries, although there are opportunities in related fields for those with a master's or bachelor's degree. Generally, a doctoral degree is needed to work in research and development, as most physicists do. Competition for these positions, as well as admission to many doctoral physics programs, is usually high due to a limited number of openings.

Most physicists work regular hours in laboratories and offices. Overall, employment of physicists is expected to decline slightly through 2006. Because many research jobs are funded by the federal government, they are often subject to budget cuts and fluctuations in the economy. Again, competition for these jobs is high.

A median salary of about $50,000 was reported for members of the American Institute of Physics who had bachelor's degrees; those with master's degrees earned about $55,000; those with doctoral degrees $65,000. For more information, visit the following web sites:

The American Physical Society.

American Institute of Physics.

Sources
Occupational Outlook Handbook
U.S. Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physical Sciences Career Directory, first edition
Bradley J. Morgan and Joseph M. Palmisano, editors
Visible Ink Press, 1994.

VGM's Careers Encyclopedia, fourth edition
By the editors of VGM Career Horizons
VGM Career Horizons, 1997.