How to Become a Physicist
Research how matter and energy behave, powering everything from quantum computing to medical imaging. It typically requires a doctoral degree, with a median salary of $172,250 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$172,250/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
1,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Theoretical Modeling
- Experimental Design
- Mathematics
- Programming
- Scientific Writing
Helpful certifications
- PhD (research track)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
null/100
Work-life balance
null/100
Stress level
null/100
Satisfaction
null/100
Related careers
- Natural Sciences Manager$167,220 median
- Biochemist$127,410 median
- Biostatistician$105,650 median
- Statistician$105,650 median
- Biomedical Scientist / Researcher$103,410 median
- Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist)$99,070 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Physicist make?
The median pay for a Physicist is $172,250 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Physicist?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree. Common majors are Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering.
Is Physicist a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 1,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Physicist use most?
Common skills for this role are Theoretical Modeling, Experimental Design, Mathematics, Programming, and Scientific Writing.
Planning to become a Physicist?
Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.