Description
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Work Styles
- Innovation
- Achievement/Effort
- Analytical Thinking
- Initiative
- Attention to Detail
Tasks
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
- Write research proposals to receive funding.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Development environment software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Abilities
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Number Facility
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Fluency of Ideas
Skills
- Science
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Qualified Medical PhysicistCertifying Organization
American Association of Physicists in Medicine
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Health PhysicistCertifying Organization
American Academy of Health Physics
Type
Core
Certificate name
Qualified Environmental ProfessionalCertifying Organization
Board for Global EHS Credentialing
Type
Advanced
Certifying Organization
American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine
Type
Specialty
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $88,042 |
| Median (50%) | $157,516 |
| High (90%) | $257,724 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $149,951 |
| Mid Level | $152,507 |
| Senior Level | $152,377 |
| Expert Level | $168,858 |
Employability
There are currently 21,100 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 22,600 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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