Are physicists high in demand?
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on February 26, 2026
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Physicists are projected to have employment growth in scientific research and development services, educational services, and healthcare and social assistance.
How much do physicists make annually?
The median annual wage for physicists was $129,850 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $67,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000. Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How many physicists are there in the US?
National estimates for Physicists:
| Employment (1) | Employment RSE (3) | Mean annual wage (2) |
|---|---|---|
| 16,160 | 5.1 % | $ 137,700 |
Where do physicists make the most money?
Research scientists that work within research laboratories or within hospitals often make the most money. According to HubPages, a research scientist makes the most money in the field of physics: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wages for a physicist fall around $53.86 per hour.
How much does a Caltech physicist make?
Caltech (California) Salary FAQs How does the salary as a Physicist at Caltech (California) compare with the base salary range for this job? The average salary for a Physicist is $113,876 per year in United States, which is 22% lower than the average Caltech (California) salary of $147,554 per year for this job.
How much do physicists make USA?
What is the average age of a Physicist?
43 years old
The average age of an employed Physicist is 43 years old. The most common ethnicity of Physicists is White (75.6%), followed by Asian (13.1%) and Black or African American (4.7%).
Can you work at SpaceX with a physics degree?
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline. SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a position on the Dragon Ground…
How much does a PhD at Caltech make?
Caltech (California) Salary FAQs The average salary for a PhD Student is $32,847 per year in United States, which is 9% lower than the average Caltech (California) salary of $36,359 per year for this job.
Does the BLS have employment data for the solar power industry?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not currently have employment data for the solar power industry. [4]
What is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. Skip to Content An official website of the United States government Here is how you know
How much do physicists get paid in the government?
However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics. The median annual wage for astronomers was $119,730 in May 2020. The median annual wage for physicists was $129,850 in May 2020.
How many physicists and astronomers are employed in 2019?
Quick Facts: Physicists and Astronomers On-the-job Training None Number of Jobs, 2019 20,500 Job Outlook, 2019-29 7% (Faster than average) Employment Change, 2019-29 1,400
