DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
19-2012 Physicists
Occupational Description:
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Excludes "Biochemists and Biophysicists" (19-1021).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 160 | 45 | $71.64/hr | $8.74/hr | $26.66/hr | $31.14/hr | $60.41/hr | $98.27/hr | $81.00/hr |
| U S | 16,730 | 903 | $63.67/hr | $1.34/hr | $30.34/hr | $43.07/hr | $59.67/hr | $79.77/hr | $98.12/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2022 - 2032 | |
| Hydrologists | 300 | $38.26/hr | 3.1% |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | 250 | $92,033/yr | 3.6% |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | 240 | $38.85/hr | 3.1% |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | 230 | $38.63/hr | 8.9% |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | 50 | $43.36/hr | 12.5% |
| Petroleum Engineers | 50 | $57.76/hr | 10.1% |
| Astronomers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tasks for Physicists
- Observes structure and properties of matter and transformation and propagation of energy, using masers, lasers, telescopes and other equipment.
- Conducts instrumental analyses to determine physical properties of materials.
- Describes and expresses observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Analyzes results of experiments designed to detect and measure previously unobserved physical phenomena.
- Conducts application analysis to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.
- Designs electronic circuitry and optical components with scientific characteristics to fit within specified mechanical limits and perform according to specifications.
- Conducts research pertaining to potential environmental impact of proposed atomic energy related industrial development to determine qualifications for licensing.
- Consults other scientists regarding innovations to ensure equipment or plant design conforms to health physics standards for protection of personnel.
- Directs testing and monitoring of contamination of radioactive equipment and recording of personnel and plant area radiation exposure data.
- Advises authorities in procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assists in civil defense planning.
- Incorporates methods for maintenance and repair of components and designs, and develops test instrumentation and test procedures.
- Assists with development of manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.
- Assists in developing standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases.
