Occupation Summary

Physicists

O*NET 19-2012.00

Description:

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Annual Wages:
$171,789.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 14.92%.
Education Level:
Doctoral Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
STEM

  1. Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
  2. Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
  3. Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
  4. Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
  5. Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
  6. Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.
  7. Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.
  8. Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.
  9. Teach physics to students.
  10. Write research proposals to receive funding.

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National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Physicists employed Annual Growth Rate
Scientific research and development services 40.8 0.68
Colleges, universities, and professional schools 13.7 0.34
General medical and surgical hospitals 6.3 0.74
Architectural, engineering, and related services 3 1.55


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $82.59
2024 National average hourly wage $79.81
2022 National employment 21,100
2022 Texas employment 610
Texas projected employment by 2032 701
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 47




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
98.40%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
96.40%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
90.80%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
87.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
73.80%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
68.20%
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
64.20%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
53.00%
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
52.20%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
49.40%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
92.40%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
85.00%
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
85.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
82.40%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
82.40%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
80.00%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
80.00%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
80.00%
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
77.60%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
77.60%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
95.00%
Number Facility
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
85.00%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
85.00%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
82.40%
Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
82.40%
Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
82.40%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
82.40%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
82.40%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
82.40%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
80.00%


  • Analyzing Data or Information
    -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Processing Information
    -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Other Activities


  • Recognition
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
  • Working Conditions
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.



Tools

Accelerometers: Accelerometers;

Amplifiers: Conditioning amplifiers;

Analytical balances: Analytical balances;

Atomic absorption AA spectrometers: Atomic absorption AA spectrometers;

Autosamplers: Headspace autosamplers;

Binocular light compound microscopes: Measuring microscopes;

Capacitance meters: Capacitance bridges;

Chromatographic detectors: Atomic emission detectors AED; Photodetectors;

Cryogenic or liquid nitrogen freezers: Helium refrigerators;

Cryostats: Cryostats;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Digital camcorders or video cameras: High-speed video cameras;

Electromagnets: Laboratory electromagnets;

Electron microscopes: Electron microscopes;

Electronic counters: Particle counters;

Force or torque sensors: Vernier force sensors;

Frequency analyzers: Spectrum analyzers; Portable fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers; Two-channel fast Fourier transform FFT analyzers; Analog frequency analyzers;

Frequency calibrator or simulator: Two-channel dynamic signal analyzers;

Frequency counters or timer or dividers: Photon counting systems;

Galvanometers: Galvanostats;

Gas chromatographs: Gas chromatography equipment;

Geiger counters: Geiger-Muller counters;

Goggles: Safety goggles;

High vacuum equipment: High vacuum equipment; Diffusion-pumped vacuum systems; Turbo-pumped vacuum systems;

Infrared spectrometers: Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers;

Injectors: Gas chromatography GC injectors;

Interferometers: Mickelson interferometers; Microwave interferometers; Interferometers;

Ionization chambers: Ionization chambers;

Laboratory balances: Big G torsion balances;

Laboratory box furnaces: Laboratory box furnaces;

Laboratory centrifugal pumps: Laboratory centrifugal pumps;

Laboratory safety furnaces: Annealing furnaces;

Laboratory vacuum pumps: Diffusion pumps;

Laboratory vibrators: Vibration exciters;

Laser beam analyzers: Laser power meters;

Laser filters: Cavity dumpers or drivers;

Lasers: Multiple diode lasers; Helium lasers; Argon ion lasers; Diode lasers; Single frequency dye lasers; Pulsed nitrogen lasers; Zeeman split lasers;

Leak testing equipment: Leak detection equipment;

Light scattering equipment: Light scattering devices;

Magnetometer geophysical instruments: Gaussmeters;

Magnetometers: Vibrating sample magnetometers;

Mass spectrometers: Isotope ratio mass spectrometers; Mass spectrometers;

Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes: Computed tomography CT scanners;

Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners: Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems;

Medical radiation films or badges: Radiation detecting film badges;

Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators: Linear accelerators; High-energy accelerators; Cyclotrons; Betatrons; Positive ion accelerators;

Monochromators: Scanning monochromators; Monochromators; Grating monochromators; Double monochromators;

Multimeters: Digital multimeters;

Network analyzers: Two-channel network analyzers;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers: Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes;

Optical beamsplitters: Optical beamsplitting devices;

Optical breadboards: Optical tables;

Optical choppers: Optical choppers;

Oscilloscopes: Digital oscilloscopes;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Photo attachments for microscopes: Charge-coupled device CCD cameras;

Photometer: Photometer;

Photosensitive diodes: High-resolution semiconductor detectors;

Plotter printers: Digital plotters;

Pneumatic vacuum equipment: Vacuum stations;

Polarizers: Programmable phase modulators;

Pull spring balances: Spring scales;

Radiation detectors: Neutron detectors; Scintillation probes; Thermoluminescent dosimeters;

Roughness measuring instruments: Surface profilometers;

Scanning electron microscopes: Scanning electron microscopes SEM;

Scanning probe microscopes: Scanning tunneling microscopes STM; Atomic force microscopes; Magnetic force microscopes; Friction-force microscopes;

Semiconductor testers: Semiconductor parameter analyzers;

Signal conditioners: Power amplifiers;

Signal generators: Optical detectors; Radiofrequency RF generators; Signal generators; Arbitrary function generators; Function generators;

Single gas monitors: Liquid helium level sensors;

Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter: Pistonphones; Sound intensity probes; Digital sound level meters; Analog sound level meters;

Spectrometers: High-resolution spectrometers; Gamma ray spectrometers; Prism spectrometers; Visible spectrometers; X ray photoemission spectrometers;

Spectrophotometers: Spectrophotometers;

Telescopes: Telescopes;

Transmission electron microscopes: Transmission electron microscopes TEM;

Tube furnaces: Laboratory tube furnaces;

Tweezers: Optical tweezers;

Ultraviolet UV lamps: High intensity UV sources;

Visual filters: Pinhole filters;

Voltage or current meters: Digital voltmeters DVM; Nanovoltmeters;

X ray diffraction equipment: X ray crystallography equipment;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: Aptech Systems GAUSS; CERN Physics Analysis Workstation PAW; CERN ROOT; COMSOL Multiphysics; Criss Software XRF11; Dose modeling software; Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System EPICS; GNU Octave; Gnuplot; Maplesoft Maple; OriginLab Origin; RSI interactive data language IDL software; SciGraphica; SciLab; Radiation dose calculation software; REDUCE; Spectral Dynamics STAR; Spectroscopy software; Synergy Software KaleidaGraph; Systat Software SigmaPlot; The MathWorks MATLAB; Statistical software; Vector Fields OPERA-3d; Video analysis software; Wolfram Research Mathematica;

Cloud-based management software: OpenStack;

Clustering software: VMware;

Computer aided design CAD software: RibbonSoft QCad; Mathsoft Mathcad; Autodesk AutoCAD;

Configuration management software: Puppet;

Data base management system software: SQLite;

Data base user interface and query software: Oracle Database; Structured query language SQL; Amazon Web Services AWS software; Microsoft Access; MySQL;

Desktop publishing software: Scribus;

Development environment software: Software development tools; Pascal; National Instruments LabVIEW; Microsoft Visual Basic; Microsoft Visual J++; Microsoft Visual Studio; Microsoft Azure software; Canu; C; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Eclipse IDE;

Enterprise application integration software: Extensible markup language XML;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: Enterprise resource planning ERP system;

Expert system software: Ansible software;

File versioning software: Git;

Graphics or photo imaging software: GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP; Adobe Photoshop; Ploticus; Xfig; xv;

Music or sound editing software: Adobe Audition;

Object or component oriented development software: C++; Sun Microsystems Java; Python; Perl; Oracle Java;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows; Linux; UNIX;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Video creation and editing software: Lenox Softworks VideoPoint;

Web platform development software: JavaScript;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Physicists include:
  • 19-2011.00 Astronomers
  • 19-1021.00 Biochemists and Biophysicists
  • 19-2031.00 Chemists
  • 15-2051.00 Data Scientists
  • 19-2042.00 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
  • 19-2032.00 Materials Scientists
  • 15-2021.00 Mathematicians
  • 19-1029.02 Molecular and Cellular Biologists
  • 17-2199.09 Nanosystems Engineers
  • 25-1054.00 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary


Sources of Additional 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
  • Astronomers
  • Physicists

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.