Since physics is a challenging major, the number of graduates each year is only 5,000 in the entire nation. Surveys made each year of physics graduates seeking employment show that 90 percent usually have one or more job offers at graduation, and of the remaining 10 percent, most have found employment within a few months of graduation.
Employment typically is in a high technology company in the area of research and development.
Generally, a bit less than half of the physics bachelor degree recipients enter the job market, while most of the rest seek an advanced degree either in physics or a related field. Job opportunities for those with advanced degrees in physics are very good in the nonacademic area, where starting salaries are also very good. Physics teachers are in demand at the secondary school level, and somewhat less in demand at the university level. Areas of physics particularly in demand include optics, electronics, applied physics, and solid state physics. Naturally, the job prospects for graduates in any given year are linked to the state of the nation's economy.