PHYSICISTS Number 62 Interest Area 2 1998
THE JOB
PHYSICISTS investigate and analyze various forms of energy, the structure and physical properties of matter, and the relationship between the two. As a result of their efforts, our understanding of the world around us is more complete. Frequently, their endeavors either directly or indirectly result in new technologies that have had profound effects on our lives. Radar, television, lasers, x-ray machines and atomic power all came about from Physicists' quest for basic scientific knowledge. Some major branches of physics are Solid State Physics, Nuclear Physics, Optical Physics, Fluid and Plasma Physics and Space and Planetary Physics.
Many Physicists are engaged in research and development. Some do basic research to increase scientific knowledge. Theoretical Physicists work with mathematical formulas. Experimental Physicists use systematic observation and measurement, sometimes designing new instruments for this purpose. They use computers to aid in the complex computations that are an integral part of modern physics. The difference between theoretical and experimental Physicists is often merely one of emphasis.
Engineering-oriented Physicists perform applied research, developing new or improved products. For example, the work of Physicists specializing in solid state physics led to the development of transistors and microchips. These devices replaced vacuum tubes in most applications, and have led to ever-smaller hearing aids, and to smaller and faster computers. Almost one- half of all Physicists with Ph.D.s work at colleges and universities as Research or Teaching Physicists, many combining both activities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Laboratory work may expose Physicists to radiation, high voltage electrical equipment and toxic materials. Stringent control systems are effective in avoiding illness and injury. The Physicist may also work in comfortable offices and computer input facilities. Some travel may be necessary. Sometimes projects can be tedious, demanding, and subject to failure. Physicists may belong to member societies of the American Physics Society, the American Institute of Physics or to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, an interdisciplinary organization.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of physicists will decline through 2005.
These figures represent the broad occupational group Physicists and Astronomers, which includes Physicists.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 1,110 Estimated number of workers in 2005 970 Projected Growth 1993 - 2005 -13% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 360
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The job market for Physicists with undergraduate or graduate degrees will be poor, especially as employment opportunities in the federal government and colleges and universities remain restricted.
Opportunities are best for Physicists who have training in applied physics, with course work in engineering, geology or related science disciplines. These graduates have an advantage in finding employment in firms which manufacture or service electronics equipment. They may also work in weapons research settings or defense installations or for the armed forces. In any of these settings, they are most likely to be involved in research and development or design and development efforts. They may also program, teach or work in quality control settings.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salary surveys indicate that beginning monthly salaries in private industry for Physicists average about $2,900 per month. They may earn up to $7,100 or more per month. Physicists who work for the federal government are hired at the GS-9 levels, which starts at $2,521 per month. They can promote up to the GS-15 level, which may or may not be a management position. The maximum salary at this level is $7,857 per month.
Community colleges, state colleges and universities also employ sizable numbers of Physicists as teachers and professors. The pay received varies upon the institution and the amount of education and experience a Physicist brings to the job. Physicists with a doctorate employed by the State University system earned about $3,500 to $5,950 per month, for a nine month schedule. University of California professors earn from $3,300 to $8,400 per month. Physics professors employed with the Community Colleges earn between from $2,646 to $5,773 per month. Many Physicists supplement their regular income through consulting work and special research projects.
Most Physicists work an average of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Benefits usually include medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Benefits also include vacations, holidays and sick leave. Most companies provide retirement and profit sharing plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
More than 55 California colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in physics; approximately 22 offer advanced degrees. In addition, engineering schools offer a physics major as part of the general curriculum. The undergraduate program in physics serves as a base for later specialization either in graduate school or on the job. A bachelor's degree in physics is generally the minimum educational requirement for a career as a Physicist. Physicists with bachelor's degrees qualify for jobs in applied research and development work in private industry or the federal government. Some become research assistants in colleges and universities while working toward advanced degrees. Many persons with bachelor's degrees in physics enter non-technical work, other sciences, or engineering. Disciplined creativity, perseverance and the ability to concentrate on detail are important elements for success. The occupation requires constant study and the ability to work as a leader or member of a team as well as independently.
Six years of graduate study is the median required to obtain a Ph.D. Most faculty members of four-year college or university physics hold doctorates. A Ph.D. is also needed for positions with responsibility for research and development. Physicists with master's degrees and junior college teaching credentials are eligible to instruct in California community colleges.
ADVANCEMENT
Physicists who gain experience in private industry may advance to more responsible positions in research, management or sales. Supervision of other Physicists and research staff is possible for persons with interest and ability. At most academic institutions, Physicists begin as assistant professor, associate professor and then promote to tenured professor, depending on the quality of their teaching and published research.
Some Physicists decide to open their own consulting business, while others may set up their own research laboratory.
FINDING THE JOB
There are a number of ways for Physicists to find a job. College and university placement offices and physics department faculty are a good source of information, especially for faculty positions in college and universities. Professional societies may also be a source of job leads, and students are encouraged to join them. Other job leads can come from newspapers and professional journals advertisements, local Employment Development Department offices, and through employers, such as nuclear utility companies, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Laboratories at Lawrence Livermore, U.C. Berkeley and Stanford University.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Institute of Physics Career Planning and Placement Department 1 Physics Ellipse College Park, MD 20740-3843 (301) 209-3100 www.aip.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electrical/Electronic Engineers No. 12 Mathematicians No. 66 Meteorologists No. 200 Nuclear Engineers No. 367 Health Physicists No. 386
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Physicist 023.061-014 Physicist, Theoretical 023.067-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Physicists & Astronomers 241020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key