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Alamo Colleges DistrictCareer Explorer

Physicists

Part of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, in the Science and Mathematics pathway.

Bright outlookJob zone 5: extensive preparationO*NET 19-2012.00

What the work is

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

On a typical day

  • Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
  • Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
  • Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
  • Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
  • Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
  • Teach physics to students.

What it pays

$194,290
Median pay per year, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX metro
New workers start near $97,510
Experienced workers reach $263,400
  1. $98k10th
  2. $164k25th
  3. $194kMedian
  4. $253k75th
  5. $263k90th
Wage percentiles: 10th $97,510, 25th $164,260, Median $194,290, 75th $253,070, 90th $263,400

About 100 people do this job in the San Antonio area.

Job outlook

Alamo region (Bexar and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034. U.S. figures from the BLS for comparison.

+14.6%

employment change in the Alamo region, 151 to 173 jobs · U.S. +4%

12

openings a year in the Alamo region, from growth and people leaving · U.S. 1,700

151

employed in the Alamo region in 2024 · U.S. 24,600

Typical entry education: Doctoral or professional degree

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

  1. Science5.8
  2. Reading Comprehension5.9
  3. Mathematics5.5
  4. Critical Thinking4.9
  5. Speaking4.8
  6. Active Learning5.5
  7. Writing5.0
  8. Active Listening4.8

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

  1. Bachelor's degree4%
  2. Master's degree8%
  3. Doctoral or professional88%

Job zone 5, extensive preparation: A graduate or professional degree, usually after a bachelor's.

Alamo programs that lead here

  • Northwest Vista
  • Palo Alto
  • St. Philip's
  • San Antonio
  1. Physics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  2. Physics

    Degree · Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  3. Physics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  4. Physics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

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