20 Jobs You Can Do With a Physics Degree

Diving into the world of innovation and technology, untold mysteries of the universe, many scholars, both young and old, make advancements towards the acquisition of foundational principles that guide the universe and the understanding of how things work. This is where physics comes in.

Physics is a course studied at both the high school level and the tertiary level as well. It deals mainly with the study of physical sciences and the application of math and scientific methods to solve man’s problems.

What Does a Physicist Do?
What Does Physics Teach You?
What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?
How Much Do Physicists Make?
Top 20 Physics Degree Jobs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What Does a Physicist Do?

A physicist studies the basic fundamental principles that govern the universe. It also studies the structural and behavioral nature of matter and its interaction with Energy within the environment.

Physicists often conduct several types of research which involve initial observation following a hypothesis that could create a foundation for many experiments that would pave way for discoveries and newly developed theories that could create a firm ground to the deciphering many twisted puzzles about the whys and hows of the universe and what lies beyond.

There are many career fields a physicist can find himself. Some of these fields could involve Astronomy, Electronics, Quantum mechanics e.t.c.

What Does Physics Teach You?

What could Physics Teach you? Is quite an easy one to tackle as physics itself teaches one about the physiology of physical matter and its quantities. Physics helps one to understand the world around them and helps In the satisfaction of their curiosity, Those who study physics I.e. Physicists, become versatile granting them a wide range of future careers to choose from.

More Benefits of learning physics include;

1. It helps in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Physics promotes technological advancements that make a great impact on society, the environment, and the economy.

3. Physics also opens up the mysteries of theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

4. Physics is a global enterprise and offers you the opportunity to work abroad, or in international research collaborations.

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What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?

The achievable feats that exist by being a physicist are endless. To look down on a physics degree is like throwing a diamond into the ocean.

Asides from there being many fields in which a degree holder in Physics can embark on, a physics degree can grant the opportunity to become a world standard entrepreneur and Nobel prize, winner. e.g. Elon Musk( founder of the electronic car -Tesla and founder of Space X), Stephen Hawking ( father of theoretical physics and Nobel prize winner).

Many opportunities lie for someone ready to dive into the world of research and technological innovations.

How Much Do Physicists Make?

The average pay of a Physicist is pretty decent. In the United States, the average pay of a Physicist is around $6900 per month, which averages about $40 per hour. Most physicists do expect benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Moreover, a Physicist could be paid relatively a lot higher in comparison to another due to the variation in their workplaces and the field they work in.

Top 20 Physics Degree Jobs

Well, detailed beneath are various Jobs attainable on the acquisition of a physics degree ;

1. Laser Engineering

Annual Salary: $90,000

Laser engineering is a high-tech-related occupation that is very marketable. They are based on the development, designing, operating, and maintenance of laser equipment.

Laser engineers also design laser cutting systems for manufacturing companies, build navigation systems for the military and security companies.

The work of an optical engineer depends on sophisticated laser surgery and they are very important. A minimum of a Masters’s degree is needed for qualification while a Doctorate stands perfect. Hence, it is one of the best jobs you can get with a physics degree.

2. Aerospace Engineer

Annual Salary: $89,195

Aerospace engineering is a field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace Engineers design aircraft and spacecraft, e.g planes, satellites, and rockets. Beyond product design, they also analyze and interpret flight data, test their products, and often work directly with clients to ensure products credibility. They are also referred to as rocket propulsion engineers within their field of work.

3. Accelerator Operator

Annual Salary: $70,000

An Accelerator Operator is a professional who controls, manages, and operates a particle accelerator. This job is of the high-end jobs that are one of the hardest to gain, highly paid, and has a lot of respect attached to it.

Particle Accelerators are devices that charge up particles are essential in many fields of science like medicine, mechanical and electric-based productions. Requirements anchor on the master’s level degree and nothing less.

4. Clinical Technologists

Annual Salary: $37,500

A Clinical Technologist ensures that technology and equipment used in the treatment, diagnosis of patients are well managed, organized, and kept functioning for effective laboratory and surgical practice.

Clinical technologist uses their knowledge of physics or engineering to operate, maintain and monitor hospital equipment and clinical materials.

This is a practical role, and their work ensures that every patient receives accurate, safe, and efficient diagnosis and treatment. Hence, it is one of the best jobs you can get with a physics degree.

5. Material Physicist

Annual salary: $100,430

Material Physicists apply the knowledge of physics to describe the physical properties of materials.

As a materials physicist, you investigate the structure and properties of both natural and synthetic materials and find new ways to improve or adapt them for different uses. That could mean designing better prosthetic devices, developing new types of paints, or using ultrasound to uncover hidden defects in railway tracks. They also work for universities, oil and gas companies, or computer manufacturers.

6. Actuary

Annual Salary:$55,000

An Actuary is a professional who uses analytical skills and risk monitoring techniques to study financial data, risk and then communicate information to the non-specialist as a report.

They apply mathematical, economic, and statistical awareness to real-life situations in the financial world and be able to communicate difficult topics to non-specialists.

Therefore, he/she must be an excellent communicator, possessing the ability to discuss complex topics simply. Hence, it is one of the best jobs you can get with a physics degree.

7. Astronomer

Annual salary: $122,270

An astronomer is a scientist in astronomy who focuses their studies on a specific question or field outside Earth. Are you curious about the far reaches of the universe? Astronomers use satellites and optical and space-based telescopes to study stars, planets, and galaxies. They develop and explore theories about how stars form and how planets evolve. Most astronomers work in government research centers, though some spend much of their time in observatories.

8. Data scientist

Annual Salary: $96,009

Data Analysts are analytical experts who use their skills in both technology and social science to find trends and manage data. In a world that is awash with data, there is an enormous demand for people who can organize and analyze that data to derive meaningful insights that solve business problems. Data scientists use their advanced quantitative abilities to collect, synthesize, and analyze extensive sets of data. They might also develop new tools or processes for data collection. A graduate degree in physics can get you started in this field.

9. Quantitative research analyst

Annual salary: $86,891

With their highly developed skills in mathematical modelling, physics grads often find opportunities in the financial world as quantitative research analysts. These professionals analyze market data and model complex financial processes to design and implement trading strategies that increase profits and minimize risk. It helps to have computer programming experience.

10. Optical engineer

Annual Salary: $89,702

Optical engineers specialize in using different techniques to design lasers, build telescopes, create fiber optics communication systems. Optical engineers focus on controlling and manipulating light.

They apply their knowledge of the properties of light to the design and creation of things like telescopes, cameras, scanners, and fiber optic communications systems. They might come up with new products or figure out ways to improve the design of existing ones. You’ll likely need a master’s degree to get into this field.

11. Astronomical physicist

Annual salary: $76,815

Many questions could be asked as to the phenomena that occur in space and other unreached galaxies by the average man. Questions like What does the earth look like? Why is the sun the center of the universe? What makes the world go round? e.t.c.Astronomical physicist jobs can be found in universities, government institutes, space agencies, and energy companies. This is one of the most appreciated jobs in the world and a hard one to come by.

12. Computational scientist

Annual salary: $90,000

This career majorly uses computers to model and simulate the physical world. The idea is to apply computing principles to scientific problems. Many employers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in physics.

You might investigate phenomena like fluid flow, air turbulence, or heat transfer to help energy companies, biomedical firms, or aircraft manufacturers develop better processes and products.

13. Health physicist

Annual Salary: $85,889.

Health Physicist is the profession devoted to protecting people and their environment from potential radiation hazards while making it possible to enjoy the beneficial uses of radiation. The primary task of a health physicist is to make sure radiation levels stay within acceptable limits. These professionals use scientific techniques to evaluate the radiation level of different environments and recommend improving people’s safety. Nuclear power plants, hospitals, government agencies, and the armed services all hire health physicists.

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14. Meteorologist

Annual Salary: Around $40,000.

This set of Professionals is more or less concerned with the study of the weather and climate condition of certain geographical territories and carry out scientific analysis and surveys to have a hypothesis.

They also make it their responsibility to collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors, and weather stations all over the world. They measure factors such as air pressure, temperature, and humidity at various atmospheric levels, analyze and present this information to customers in the form of weather briefings.

15. Forensic firearms examiner

Annual salary: $63,170

You need a thorough understanding of how forces affect the movement of objects to analyze evidence at a crime scene.

As specialists in criminal investigation, forensic firearms examiners (also known as ballistics experts) look at tool marks, cartridge cases, and bullet fragments to figure out if a certain weapon was used in the commission of a crime.

They also testify in court about their findings. Certification is available and can boost your job prospects.

16. Software Engineer

Annual Salary: $60,000

Software engineers work in constantly developing environments because of technological advances and the strategic direction of the organizations they work for.

They create, maintain, audit, and improve systems to meet particular needs, often as advised by a systems analyst or architect, testing both hard and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults.

Their role also covers writing diagnostic programs and designing and writing code for operating systems and software to ensure efficiency. When required, you’ll make recommendations for future developments.

17. Geophysicist

Annual Salary: $85,000

Geophysicists research the components and findings related to the earth crust by collecting data on seismic waves, which move through and around the Earth. They create a picture of what lies below the Earth’s surface.

This information is vitally important to the oil and gas industries. Such individuals work in Oil and Gas industries because of their extreme relevance in such sectors of development. They also decide on suitable seismic measurement and data-processing techniques.

18. College Physics professor

Annual salary: $65,930.

This path is a lucrative career path in physics. One may grant clarity and understanding of the mysteries of the universe to young scholars. One survey found that majority of those who completed a BSc degree in physics and taught in high school were satisfied with their jobs. A Bachelor’s degree holder in physics can start this career as long as his/her teaching license has been gained. Most especially in public schools.

19. Acoustical engineer

Annual salary: $73,313

Acoustical engineers apply their knowledge of the science of sound to the design and construction of buildings, machinery, and consumer devices, their craft is one on which Architectural firms and electronics manufacturers highly depend.

You could be minimizing noise levels for houses near an airport, optimizing the acoustics for a concert hall or recording studio, or designing audio systems for smartphones and tablets. A typical Electronic physics degree can get you started.

20. Quantum Physicists

Annual Salary: $120,000

Quantum physicists deal with the unseen realms of science and inventions, dealing with atomic variables, quarts and the rest. This men’s field leads the progress of particle Operators understanding how particles behave and how such characteristics are used for man’s benefit and innovations.

Quantum physicists study matter and energy at the most fundamental level. They aim to uncover the properties and behaviors of the very building blocks of nature.

Conclusion

Having a degree in physics is huge. This grants accessibility to many fields, Vast knowledge in science, and grants many job opportunities. As it’s been outlined in the article, the benefits of acquiring a physics degree and how it serves as a pathway to achieving many more milestones in the technological and engineering sectors In the world.

References

Yourfreecareertest.com – What Does a Physicist Do?
Royalholloway – What Does Physics Teach You?
USNews – What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?
Pvamu – How Much Do Physicists Make?
Prospects.co.uk – Top 20 Physics Degree Jobs