Looking for the best entry level jobs for physics majors? Keep reading this blog post is for you.
These days being a physics student, it seems quite hard to get a good job. Especially when you are a graduate. What do you think? (Let me know in comments)
And, yeah I am not saying this.
Have a look at the below questions asked on various physics forums…
another one from Physics Forums…
and the last one from Reddit.
After looking at these snapshots, you might feel that your decision of taking physics in your graduates was wrong. But, wait, wait, wait, I am here to help you!
In this post, I have listed 10 best entry-level jobs for physics majors that will make you believe that you had not taken the wrong decision.
If you think there are not enough jobs in physics, then you might not have done enough research. Well, let me do it for you in this post. After reading this post, you will be able to know:
- benefits of having a physics degree.
- the salary you can expect and
- 10 best entry-level jobs for physics majors.
If you are someone who is not interested in doing office-based jobs, then you can have a look at 9 best online jobs for college students.
Well, let me start the discussion by knowing a little about Physics. If you hate reading & get bored easily, I suggest using the below table of contents for better navigation.
About Physics Majors
According to Wikipedia, Physics is a branch of science that studies matter, its motion & behavior through space and time. The main goal of a physics student is to understand how the universe behaves.
If we look at the branches of physics, then the two most common ones are classical & modern physics. However, other branches include Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Optics, etc.
It is an interesting subject to choose from as a major & may also be a difficult one to master. Subjects like Optics, Thermodynamics & Quantum mechanics seem to be the most interesting ones.
Let’s have a look at the benefits of having a physics degree.
Benefits of having a Physics Degree
Having a physics degree itself is a thing to feel proud of. But still, I have listed some of the top benefits of having a physics degree below:
- Physics is one of the most interesting subjects to study. Topics like Time travel, Big-bang theory & theory of relativity will blow up your mind.
- A wide range of entry-level jobs for physics majors is available. Being a teacher, scientist, analyst or project manager are few of them.
- You can further do a Ph.D. in physics & receive a doctorate degree.
- Doing research is another thing that you can do & become a scientist.
- High salary
- You can work overseas, which is a great opportunity if you love traveling.
- Studying physics improves your problem-solving skills.
- You can have access to modern technology.
Related: Top-10 Most In-demand Skills in 2020 & Beyond!
Still, thinking whether having a physics degree is good or not? Have a look at the below tweets.
Its interesting that I’m beginning to see the worth of a BS Physics degree with a track in Medical Instrumentation.
— Kaelyn Alonzo (@SimplyKLyn) March 22, 2020
Aside from engineers, Physics majors have a contribution in the medical field.
Also, have a look at another tweet from @GirlExpPhysics
What kinds of jobs can physics majors get after they graduate? https://t.co/OeKF4R946f
— Girls Exploring Physics (@GirlsExpPhysics) August 18, 2018
YouTube Video: What can you do with a Physics Degree?
I hope you are enjoying this post. It’s time to have a look at the salary or the payscale you can expect after having a physics degree.
Salary You Can Expect with a Physics Degree
Before we discuss the average payscale you can expect with a physics degree, have a look at the below infographic from Reddit where salaries of various college degrees are compared.
If you zoom out the above image or Right Click on it & Open it in a new tab, you will find out that the salary for a Physics bachelor starts from somewhere $40,000. However, it can go up to $170,000.
Top 10 Entry Level Jobs for Physics Majors
The wait is over. Below is the list of some of the best entry-level jobs for physics graduates.
1. Data Analyst
Data is unorganized facts & figures that need to be processed. The responsibility of a Data Analyst is to collect data, analyze it & create reports.
These reports are used to make strategies for future planning & making an organization profitable and can also be used to analyze the competition.
Basically, there is no use of various physics theories while doing this job. However, due to good problem solving & critical thinking approaches, physics students can do this job.
Some of the most important skills that you should have in order to become a data analyst are critical thinking, analytical skills, communication & problem-solving skills.
Along with that, you should have good knowledge of tools & software like Tableau, SAS, etc.
Average Salary: $72,827 per anum.
2. Application Engineer
An application engineer designs, create & test various equipment & technological products in an organization.
He/She is also responsible for solving various problems faced by clients while using the products he/she has designed.
The job of an application engineer is not just limited to the development of new equipment but they also sometimes need to redesign the product.
At least a Bachelor’s degree is required in either Physics, Mathematics, Computer science or IT in order to get the job. Along with this, you may also need to stay up to date with the latest technologies.
Average Salary: $52,000 per anum.
3. Research Assistant
The research assistants conduct research on various topics & collect data either in the form of research papers or spreadsheets.
Some of the most common responsibilities of a research assistant are to write documentation, summaries & research papers.
A few skills you need to master in order to get a job as a research assistant are multitasking, data analysis & critical thinking.
It is one of the easiest jobs you can do if you like doing research & data analysis.
Average Salary: $54,908 per anum.
4. Lab Technician
As a lab technician, what you have to do is to help your senior scientists to perform various experiments.
And, yeah… sometimes you may need to perform experiments. Basically, as a physics degree holder, your work is to test various equipment & increase their efficiency.
A lab technician also needs to record results, prepare charts & graphs. He/She needs to ensure safety measures while working in a laboratory.
Well, it’s also an easy job if you love doing experiments in your physics laboratory.
Some common skills you may need are communication, knowledge of equipment & creativity while writing reports & designing charts.
Average Salary: $54,621 per anum.
5. Optical Engineer
An optical engineer designs light-emitting devices such as lasers, masers, infrared, LED, etc.
Their main job is to design the circuit of these devices which later on can be used by other engineers to make a complete device.
Some jobs just include testing optical devices already designed by other engineers. So far, testing jobs are some of the easiest entry-level jobs for physics majors.
You may need to have a good knowledge of electricity & optics in order to get this job.
6. Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer is responsible for the design, development & maintenance of various electrical instruments & systems.
Electrical engineers do also design structures, prototypes, or models of various electrical systems.
It may sound interesting to have a job in this sector but it is one of the highest risky jobs. This is so because here you have to deal with electricity & current.
Average Salary: $ 58,000 per anum.
7. Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer is one who is involved in the research & development of everything from small equipment to big machinery.
Usually, a team of mechanical engineers performs a task together. A common example is the design & development of the interior of a car.
The whole project is divided among various engineers so as to save time & increase efficiency.
Being a mechanical engineer you can explore various parts of a machine that we use in our everyday life. The job is a bit difficult but another interesting one.
In order to become a mechanical engineer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree. Along with that, the average salary of a mechanical engineer is also decent which makes it one of the best entry-level jobs for physics majors.
Average Salary: $54,000 per anum.
8. System Engineer
System engineers maintain various IT services including networking, security & server management.
If you have a bit of interest in the field of information technology, then this job might be a good option for you.
In order to become a system engineer one needs to have good knowledge of mathematical concepts & expertise in both hardware & software.
A few examples of tasks that system engineers do perform are:
- Managing operating systems.
- Installation of software.
- Backup & database management, etc.
Average Salary: $52,000 per anum.
9. Project Manager
Do you have good soft skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, management & public speaking?
Well if it is so, then this job is a perfect fit for you.
A project manager is one who plans, initiates, executes & completes any specific project given to him.
A team of qualified engineers works under a project manager that helps him complete a task within given deadlines.
He/She is responsible for making decisions that can benefit the organization.
Average Salary: $74,000
10. Teacher
If you have explored all the 9 jobs above & not yet find something that you can do, then the last one “being a teacher” can be a good option for you.
With a bachelor’s degree, you can teach physics to high school students & get paid a handsome salary.
The responsibility of a teacher is to teach & inspire students. A good teacher not only explains concepts but also provides practical knowledge.
The way of making money as a teacher is not limited. You can even teach online on YouTube & make money online by monetizing your videos.
Average Salary: $56,312 per anum.
Where you can find these jobs?
I have told you some of the best entry-level jobs for physics majors.
However, you might be wondering where you can find information regarding various job vacancies.
Well, no worries.
I have listed a number of websites below where you can find information regarding the latest job openings.
- www.indeed.com
- www.glassdoor.com
- www.simplyhired.com
- www.linkedin.com
- www.dice.com
- www.careerbuilder.com
- www.ziprecruiter.com
- www.craiglist.com
- www.upwork.com (Freelancing)
- www.jobsra.com
Simply visit these websites & search for the above job positions. I am 100% sure you will find some of the best ones.
FAQ’s: The Best Entry-Level Jobs for Physics Majors
What are the benefits of having a physics degree?
Physics is one of the most interesting subjects to study. Topics like Time travel, Big-bang theory & theory of relativity will blow up your mind.
Along with that, a wide range of entry-level jobs for physics is also available. Being a teacher, scientist, analyst or project manager are a few of them.
How much salary can I expect with a Physics degree?
On average the salary of a physics bachelor’s starts from $50,000. However, it can go up to $150,000.
Can I become a physics teacher?
Of course! As a bachelor, you can teach high school students & make awesome money. Make sure, not only to teach but also to inspire your students.
Final Words
I have shared the 10 best entry-level jobs for physics majors & I hope you have found one that fits your personality.
However, if you have questions, suggestions & anything that can be added to this article, make sure to leave a comment & let me know about it.
You can appreciate my efforts by sharing this post with your friends & family.