How to become physicistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$172,250
25th–75th pct. $111,720–$222,760
Top pay (est.)
$356,300
Top 10% $274,110
Pay in 5 years
$194,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$220,500est.
$189,600–$256,000
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
72%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.2%
1,300 openings / yr
How to become physicists
Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Physicists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Analyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationWorking with Computers
Important abilities
Mathematical ReasoningOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOriginality
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as physicists
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.