10 Best Entry Level Jobs for Physics Majors

R247 Success
5 Sept 202211:59
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script explores the diverse career opportunities available to physics majors, emphasizing that physics is not limited to academia and research. It highlights 10 top jobs for physics graduates, ranging from entry-level positions to those requiring advanced doctorates. The careers include aerospace engineer, physicist, computer research scientist, astronomer, nuclear engineer, actuary, mathematician, biophysicist, medical scientist, and microbiologist. Each job is briefly described with median salaries, growth rates, and educational requirements. The video underscores the versatility of a physics degree in various industries and the potential for high earnings, especially for those who excel in their fields.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 A physics degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities beyond academia and research, including various industries such as aerospace, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation.
  • 🚀 Aerospace engineers, with an average salary of $116,500, design and test aircraft and spacecraft, requiring a strong background in physics and mathematics.
  • 🧪 Physicists, with a median salary of $122,850, investigate the interactions between matter and energy, requiring a doctorate and extensive college study.
  • 💻 Computer research scientists, with a median salary of $122,840, develop novel computer technology approaches, benefiting from a physics background that includes data analysis and theoretical reasoning.
  • 🌌 Astronomers, with a median salary of $114,590, study celestial bodies and require a strong foundation in mathematics and physics for predicting cosmic events.
  • ⚙️ Nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $113,460, ensure the safe and efficient use of nuclear power, advantageous for those with a physics major or minor.
  • 📊 Actuaries, with a median salary of $108,350, calculate financial risk and benefit from the statistical and numerical skills developed through a physics degree.
  • 🧮 Mathematicians, with a median salary of $105,000, are in high demand for evaluating data and developing computational methods, where a physics degree provides a strong mathematical foundation.
  • 🧬 Biophysicists, with a median salary of $94,490, combine biology and physics to develop innovative scientific strategies, requiring a doctorate in biophysics.
  • 🧪 Medical scientists, with a median salary of $88,790 for the top 10%, work on improving healthcare and human well-being, where a physics degree can be beneficial for understanding arithmetic and scientific concepts.
  • 🦠 Microbiologists, with a median salary of $75,650, perform sophisticated research and require a bachelor's degree, making it an attractive entry-level job for physics majors.
Q & A

  • What are the typical industries where physics majors can find employment?

    -Physics majors can find employment in a variety of industries including aerospace, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and more. They are in demand due to their understanding of fundamental physics concepts.

  • What is the average salary for an entry-level aerospace engineer?

    -The average salary for an entry-level aerospace engineer is $116,500 per year.

  • What type of education is required to become a physicist?

    -To become a physicist, one typically requires a doctorate in physics, which involves more than a decade of college study.

  • What is the median salary for a computer research scientist?

    -The median salary for a computer research scientist is $122,840.

  • How does the field of astronomy relate to physics?

    -Astronomy is closely related to physics because predicting future cosmic events requires the use of mathematics and equations, which are fundamental to a physics degree.

  • What is the median salary for a nuclear engineer?

    -The median salary for a nuclear engineer is $113,460.

  • Why is a physics degree advantageous for someone pursuing a career as an actuary?

    -A physics degree is advantageous for an actuary because it involves working with numbers and statistics, which are key components of an actuary's job.

  • What is the median salary for a mathematician?

    -The median salary for a mathematician is $105,000.

  • What is the role of a biophysicist and what is their median salary?

    -Biophysicists combine concepts of biology and physics to develop innovative scientific strategies and procedures. Their median salary is $94,490.

  • What is the median salary for medical scientists and what is the required education?

    -The median salary for medical scientists is $88,790, and a doctorate in a relevant field is required.

  • What is the median salary for a microbiologist and what is the educational requirement?

    -The median salary for a microbiologist is $75,650, and the educational requirement is a bachelor's degree.

  • What are some key skills that physics majors possess that make them desirable in various fields?

    -Physics majors possess skills such as arithmetic, data analysis, theoretical reasoning, and a deep understanding of scientific concepts, which are desirable in a range of fields.

Outlines
00:00
🔬 Physics Majors: Diverse Career Opportunities

This paragraph outlines the misconception that physics majors are limited to academia and research. It emphasizes the wide range of industries where physics graduates are in demand, from aerospace to healthcare. The video aims to explore various jobs suitable for physics majors, including those requiring entry-level work and advanced doctorates. It highlights the importance of understanding physics fundamentals and the necessary education for these careers. The paragraph also introduces the first job profile, aerospace engineer, discussing its average salary, required education, and the role's relevance to physics.

05:02
🌌 Astrophysics and Beyond: Careers for Physics Enthusiasts

The second paragraph delves into additional career paths for physics majors, such as physicists, computer research scientists, astronomers, and nuclear engineers. It provides median salaries, required education levels, and growth rates for each profession. The paragraph underscores the importance of a physics background in these fields, particularly for roles involving mathematical calculations and theoretical reasoning. It also touches on the declining demand for nuclear technology and the corresponding job market implications.

10:04
📊 Physics to Professions: From Actuarial to Microbiology

The final paragraph discusses several more career options for physics majors, including actuaries, mathematicians, biophysicists, medical scientists, and microbiologists. It covers the median salaries, educational requirements, and growth prospects for these roles. The paragraph highlights how a physics degree can be beneficial in various scientific fields, emphasizing the versatility of a physics education and the potential for high-earning opportunities. It concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and enable notifications for more content.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Physics Majors
Physics Majors refers to individuals who have pursued a degree in physics, which is a branch of science that deals with matter and energy, and the fundamental principles governing their interactions. In the context of the video, it is the central theme as it discusses various career opportunities available to those who have completed a degree in physics, emphasizing the versatility of a physics education across different industries.
💡Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer is a professional who designs and builds aircraft and spacecraft. They are responsible for creating and testing prototypes with the aim of producing reliable and efficient vehicles that travel through the air or space. In the video, it is mentioned as one of the best entry-level jobs for physics majors, highlighting the significant role of physics in this profession, particularly in the areas of mathematics and the interplay of air and speed.
💡Physicist
A Physicist is a scientist who studies the properties and interactions of matter and energy. They develop scientific hypotheses, conduct experiments, create mathematical formulas, and publish papers based on their findings. The video emphasizes that a doctorate in physics is typically required for this career, positioning it as a senior post that involves in-depth study and research, and is one of the most direct applications of a physics degree.
💡Computer Research Scientist
A Computer Research Scientist is involved in the study and development of novel computer technology and approaches. They work on solving complex computer problems and devising innovative solutions. The video mentions that while a master's degree in computer science is required, a bachelor's degree in physics provides a strong foundation due to its emphasis on experimentation, data analysis, and theoretical reasoning, making it a suitable starting point for this career.
💡Astronomer
An Astronomer is a scientist who studies celestial objects such as stars, planets, moons, and galaxies. They often use advanced technology to enhance our understanding of the universe. The video relates this career to physics because it requires the use of mathematics and equations to predict cosmic events. A degree in physics, particularly one that includes a focus on mathematics, is considered an excellent starting point for those interested in astronomy.
💡Nuclear Engineer
A Nuclear Engineer ensures the safe and efficient use of nuclear power. They are responsible for making precise mathematical predictions and utilizing professional equipment in their work. The video notes that while a degree in nuclear engineering is required, having a background in physics can be advantageous. The profession is highlighted for its high salary, although it also mentions a decline in job growth due to the emergence of new energy sources.
💡Actuary
An Actuary calculates the financial cost of risk and is involved in compiling data, organizing information, and conducting mathematical calculations. The video suggests that although a physics degree may not seem like the obvious choice for this career, it is actually a suitable fit due to the degree's focus on numbers and statistics. The role is highlighted for its high compensation and a predicted growth rate of 18%, making it an attractive entry-level career for physics bachelor's degree holders.
💡Mathematician
A Mathematician is a professional who evaluates data, develops new computation methods, and creates statistical procedures. The video emphasizes the increasing demand for mathematicians in various fields such as business, engineering, research, and government. A physics degree, with its strong mathematical component, is presented as an excellent starting point for a career in mathematics, where one would master key mathematical concepts like calculus and trigonometry.
💡Biophysicist
A Biophysicist is a scientist who combines principles from biology and physics to develop innovative scientific strategies and procedures. Their research may involve understanding cellular communication and protein functions, with applications in medicine, technology, and agriculture. The video notes that a doctorate in biophysics is required, but a bachelor's or master's degree in physics can serve as a good starting point. Biophysicists are well-paid professionals, with the top earners making a significant salary.
💡Medical Scientist
A Medical Scientist works on improving healthcare and human well-being by planning studies, investigating diseases, and developing medical equipment. The video mentions that a doctorate is necessary for this career, with an undergraduate degree in physics being beneficial due to its focus on arithmetic, scientific concepts, and experiments. This career is highlighted for its high earning potential for the top 10% of earners.
💡Microbiologist
A Microbiologist is a professional who carries out sophisticated research initiatives, often focusing on the study of microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The video points out that while there are higher-paying positions in physics that do not require prior professional expertise, a microbiologist offers a good income with only a bachelor's degree required. The role involves conducting experiments, tracking data, making forecasts, and writing reports, all of which benefit from a strong foundation in physics and mathematics.
Highlights

Physics majors have a wide range of career options beyond academic study and research, with opportunities in various industries.

A physics degree is ideal for individuals with a talent for arithmetic and a profound curiosity in the unknown.

Aerospace engineers, with an average salary of $116,500, design spacecraft, satellites, and military technologies.

Physicists interpret interactions between matter and energy, requiring a doctorate and offering a median salary of $122,850.

Computer research scientists, with a median salary of $122,840, develop novel computer technology approaches and require a master's degree.

Astronomers, with a median salary of $114,590, study celestial bodies and require a strong background in mathematics and physics.

Nuclear engineers ensure the safe use of nuclear power and have a median salary of $113,460, though job growth is predicted to decline.

Actuaries, with a median salary of $108,350, calculate financial risk and have an 18% growth rate, requiring on-the-job training.

Mathematicians are in high demand, with a median salary of $105,000 and a growth rate of 3%, often starting with a physics degree.

Biophysicists combine biology and physics, earning a median salary of $94,490, and require a doctorate in biophysics.

Medical scientists, with a median salary of $88,790, develop new medications and medical technology, often benefiting from a physics background.

Microbiologists, requiring only a bachelor's degree, have a median salary of $75,650 and a growth rate of 3%.

Physics-related jobs often involve high levels of mathematical knowledge, including calculus, trigonometry, and geometry.

The top 10% of physicists can expect to earn more than $201,000 per year.

A bachelor's degree in physics is a common starting point for many physics-related careers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% reduction in nuclear engineering positions by 2029.

The top 10% of medical scientists earn nearly $159,000, making it one of the best jobs for physics students.

Microbiologists conduct sophisticated research, making a physics education particularly beneficial for this role.

Transcripts

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Physics CareersAerospace EngineerTheoretical PhysicsComputer ScienceAstronomyNuclear PowerRisk AnalysisMathematical SkillsBiophysical ResearchMedical InnovationMicrobiology