### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physicists and Astronomers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			physicists and astronomers imageSome physicists study theoretical areas, while others design and perform experiments.							
						Quick Facts:     Physicists and Astronomers2023     Median Pay
            						$149,530     per year
										$71.89     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Doctoral or professional degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    23,600Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,100What Physicists and Astronomers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Physicists and astronomers may work in offices, research laboratories, and observatories. Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
            
                                                How to Become a Physicist or Astronomer
                                                
                        
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for astronomers was $127,930 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for physicists was $155,680 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicists and astronomers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicists and astronomers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Physicists and Astronomers Do 
            

			Physicists and astronomersPhysicists plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and to discover properties of matter and energy.			
Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.
Duties
Physicists and astronomers typically do the following:
Develop scientific theories and models to explain the properties of the natural world, such as the force of gravity or the formation of subatomic particles
Plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and discover properties of matter and energy
Write proposals and apply for research funding
Do mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data, such as for new material properties or the existence of planets in distant solar systems
Design new scientific equipment, such as telescopes and lasers
Develop computer software to analyze and model data
Write scientific papers for publication
Present research findings at conferences and lecturesPhysicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter. They may study theory, design and perform experiments, or apply their knowledge in developing materials or equipment.
Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Some astronomers study distant galaxies and phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars. Others monitor space debris that could interfere with satellite operations.
Many physicists and astronomers work in applied research. They use their knowledge to develop technology or solve problems in areas such as energy storage, electronics, communications, and navigation. Others work in basic research to develop theories that explain concepts such as what gravity is or how the universe was formed.
Astronomers and physicists typically work on research teams with engineers, technicians, and other scientists. Senior astronomers and physicists may assign tasks to other team members and monitor their progress. They also may need to find and apply for research funding.
*Experimental physicists* develop equipment or sensors to study properties of matter, create theories, and test theories through experiments. *Theoretical and computational physicists* develop concepts that predict properties of materials or describe unexplained results. Although all of physics involves the same fundamental principles, physicists generally specialize in one of many subfields. The following are examples of physicist job titles:
***Atomic, molecular, and optical physicists*** study atoms, simple molecules, electrons, and light and the interactions among them. Some look for ways to control the states of individual atoms, because such control might allow for further miniaturization or might contribute toward developing new materials or technology.
***Computational physicists*** study the use of algorithms, numerical analysis, and datasets to explore the interaction between theoretical and experimental physics. They explore complex phenomena in atoms, molecules, plasmas, and high-energy particles; problems in astrophysics; and applied phenomena, such as traffic, the behavior of oceans, and biological dynamics.
***Condensed matter and materials physicists*** study the physical properties of matter in molecules, nanostructures, or novel compounds. They study a wide range of phenomena, such as superconductivity, liquid crystals, sensors, and nanomachines.
***Health physicists*** study the effects of radiation on people, communities, and the environment. They manage the beneficial use of radiation while protecting workers and the public from potential hazards posed by radiation.
***Medical physicists*** work in healthcare and use their knowledge of physics to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. For example, some develop safer radiation therapies for cancer patients. Others develop improved imaging technologies for radiant energy, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging.
***Particle and nuclear physicists*** study the properties of atomic and subatomic particles, such as quarks, electrons, and nuclei and the forces that cause their interactions.
***Plasma physicists*** study plasmas, a distinct state of matter that occur naturally in stars and interplanetary space and artificially in products such as neon signs and fluorescent lights. These physicists may study ways to create fusion reactors as a potential energy source.
***Quantum information physicists*** study ways to use quantum objects, such as atoms and photons, to probe information processing, computing, and cryptography. They focus on ways to use the fundamental nature of quantum mechanics and its associated uncertainties.
Unlike physicists, astronomers cannot experiment on their subjects, which are so far away that they cannot be touched or interacted with. Therefore, astronomers generally make observations or work on theory. *Observational astronomers* view celestial objects and collect data on them. *Theoretical astronomers* analyze, model, and speculate about systems and how they work and evolve. The following are examples of astronomer job titles:
***Cosmologists and*** ***extragalactic/galactic, planetary, and stellar astronomers*** study the creation, evolution, and possible futures of the universe and its galaxies, stars, planets, and solar systems. These astronomers develop and test concepts, such as string theory and dark-matter and dark-energy theories, and study models of galactic and stellar evolution, planetary formation, and interactions between stars.
***Optical and radio astronomers*** use optical, radio, and gravitational-wave telescopes to study the motions and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the larger scale structure of the universe.
Physicists also may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics. For more information, see the profiles on biochemists and biophysicists and geoscientists.
People who have a background in physics or astronomy also may become professors or teachers. For more information, see the profiles on high school teachers and postsecondary teachers.
 Work Environment
			Physicists and astronomersSome astronomers work away from home temporarily at national or international facilities that have unique equipment.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Astronomers held about 2,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of astronomers were as follows:
        Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                48%Federal government, excluding postal service
                21Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                20Physicists held about 21,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of physicists were as follows:
        Scientific research and development services
                41%Federal government, excluding postal service
                16Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                14Ambulatory healthcare services
                3The scientific research and development services industry includes both private and federally funded national laboratories, such as those overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition to NASA, other federal agencies that employ physicists and astronomers include the U.S. Department of Defense.
Although physics research often requires working in laboratories, physicists also spend time outside of the lab to plan, analyze, fundraise, and report on research.
Most astronomers work in offices and occasionally visit observatories, buildings that house ground-based telescopes used to observe natural phenomenon and gather data. Some astronomers work full time in observatories.
Some physicists and astronomers work temporarily at national or international facilities that have unique equipment, such as particle accelerators and gamma ray telescopes. They also travel to meetings to present research results and learn about developments in their field.
Work Schedules
Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Astronomers may need to do observation work at night. However, astronomers typically visit observatories only a few times per year.
 How to Become a Physicist or Astronomer

			Physicists and astronomersAstronomers study planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.			
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics.
Education
A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field is typically required for jobs in research or academia.
Graduate students may concentrate in a subfield of physics or astronomy, such as condensed matter physics or cosmology. In addition to coursework in physics or astronomy, Ph.D. students need to take courses in math, such as calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. Computer science also may be useful for developing programs to gather, analyze, and model data.
A bachelor’s degree in physical science or a related field, such as engineering, usually is required to enter a graduate program in physics or astronomy. Undergraduate physics programs typically include courses such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.
Undergraduate students may choose to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience. The American Astronomical Society has a directory of internships for astronomy students, and the American Physical Society lists internships for physics students.
Jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in physics usually are qualified to work as technicians and research assistants in related fields, such as engineering and computer science. Those with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy also may qualify to work as an assistant at an observatory. Students who do not want to continue their studies to the doctoral level may want to take courses in instrument building and computer science.
Master’s degree and bachelor’s degree holders may be eligible for jobs in the federal government. Others may become science teachers in middle schools or high schools.
Training
Physics and astronomy Ph.D. holders who seek employment as researchers may begin their careers in a postdoctoral research position, typically for 2 to 3 years. Senior scientists supervise these researchers as they gain experience and independence doing increasingly complex tasks.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.***  Physicists and astronomers must evaluate their work and the work of others to avoid errors that could invalidate their research.
***Communication skills.*** Physicists and astronomers present their research at conferences, to the public, and to others. They also write technical reports for publication and write proposals for research funding.
***Critical-thinking skills.*** Physicists and astronomers need to think logically in carrying out scientific experiments and studies. They must determine whether results and conclusions are accurate.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Physicists and astronomers must collaborate with others and therefore need to work well with team members and colleagues.
***Math skills.*** Physicists and astronomers do calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of math. They must express their research in mathematical terms.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Physicists and astronomers use scientific observation and analysis, as well as creative thinking, to solve problems. For example, they may need to redesign their approach and find alternatives when an experiment or theory fails to produce the desired result.
***Self-discipline.*** Physicists and astronomers need to be motivated, since their work may require them to focus on large datasets for long periods.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some positions with the federal government, such as those involving nuclear energy, may require applicants to be U.S. citizens and hold a security clearance.
Advancement
With experience, physicists and astronomers may gain greater independence in their work and advance to senior positions. Experience also may lead to tenure for those in university positions. Some physicists and astronomers advance to become natural sciences managers.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Physicists and AstronomersMedian annual wages, May 2023Physicists$155,680  Astronomers and physicists$149,530  Astronomers$127,930  Physical scientists$89,350  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for astronomers was $127,930 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $183,500.The median annual wage for physicists was $155,680 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $80,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $232,940.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for astronomers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Federal government, excluding postal service
                $164,280Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                130,360Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                87,840In May 2023, the median annual wages for physicists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Ambulatory healthcare services
                $220,060Scientific research and development services
                176,960Federal government, excluding postal service
                135,300Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                98,650Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Astronomers may need to do observation work at night. However, astronomers typically visit observatories only a few times per year.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                     Physicists and AstronomersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Physicists5%  Astronomers and physicists5%  Physical scientists5%  Astronomers5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Deep space telescope operations and special off-planet missions may require additional astronomers and physicists over the projections decade. However, federal spending is the primary source of physics- and astronomy-related research funds, especially for basic research. Therefore, budgetary concerns may limit access by these workers to funding for basic research.

			

                        Employment projections data for     physicists and astronomers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Astronomers and physicists**
			19-2010
			23,600
			24,700
			5
			1,100
			Get data**Astronomers**
			19-2011
			2,400
			2,600
			5
			100
			Get data**Physicists**
			19-2012
			21,100
			22,100
			5
			1,000
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Astronomers
					Physicists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physicists and astronomers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Biochemists and Biophysicists**
            Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $107,460**Chemists and Materials Scientists**
            Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
            Bachelor's degree
            $87,180**Computer and Information Research Scientists**
            Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
            Master's degree
            $145,080**Computer Hardware Engineers**
            Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.
            Bachelor's degree
            $138,080**Electrical and Electronics Engineers**
            Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
            Bachelor's degree
            $109,010**Geoscientists**
            Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,580**Materials Engineers**
            Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $104,100**Mathematicians and Statisticians**
            Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.
            Master's degree
            $104,860**Medical Dosimetrists**
            Medical dosimetrists calculate doses of radiation and design and oversee treatment plans for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.
            Bachelor's degree
            $132,880**Nuclear Engineers**
            Nuclear engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
            Bachelor's degree
            $125,460**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about astronomy careers and for a listing of colleges and universities offering astronomy programs, visit
American Astronomical Society
For a listing of colleges and universities offering physics programs, visit
Physics Careers Resource
For more information about physics careers and education, visit
American Institute of Physics
American Physical Society
For information about internship programs, visit
American Astronomical Society
American Physical Society


                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        AstronomersPhysicists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physicists and Astronomers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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