Future Careers

Why Physics?

Physics will enable you to pursue challenging, exciting, and productive careers. Physics is present in many specialized fields – from astronomy & astrophysics to nanotechnology, with medical physics, geophysics, microelectronics, engineering, chemistry, biophysics, etc, in between. Physics also offers a variety of work activities – research and development opportunities, technician, teacher, manager, etc. Physics will open you doors to employment opportunities throughout the world in government, industry, schools, and private organizations. The American Institute of Physics supplies many useful statistics on the activities and salaries of recent Physics graduates at the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. level. Click here to access the wealth of information. See Who is Hiring Physics BS Degree Graduates across the country!

Many physics students who earn their B.S. degrees in physics that are interested in research areas such as classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity, astrophysics, optics, health science, bio-physics, condensed mater physics, and geophysics continue their studies in graduate school or go directly into the work force into entry level positions. After graduate school, many new PhDs work in universities, national laboratories, or industry laboratories as professional physicists. If you are looking into grad school for advanced students leading to an MS or PhD degree, obtaining information from Grad School Shopper is a great starting place!

According to a survey that was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor found that “a physics degree was an excellent preparation for many careers not necessarily associated with physics (e.g. law, business, medicine). Employers value the technical and problem-solving skills that students acquire in the course of their physics studies.” Also, according to American Institute of Physics, more than 54% of physics bachelors were enrolled in graduate school and 41% of physics bachelors were employed, so less than 5% of bachelors were seeking employment.

Physics Careers: To the bachelor’s Degree and Beyond
A presentation slide about Physics careers from Crystal Bailey, American Physical Society.

Salaries and Employment Categories
From American Institute of Physics

Job search

• SPS Career Toolbox
• APS Job Search Center
• AcademicJobsOnline
• Physlink.com Job Board
• Science Careers
• Physics Today Job Search
• Monster.com for College Graduates
• Create a custom Physics Job Search with Indeed.com
• Create a custom Physics Job Search with ZipRecruiter.com
• Career Guide for Students in STEM
• For Women in STEM

Jobs in Education

• Education America Network
• K-12 Job Options

Interview Preparation and Other Useful Resources

• How to Answer Tough Job Interview Questions
• What if You Can’t Get a Job After College?
• Careers After College and Job Offers

Physics Positions