April Meeting 2023 Career Resources
At APS's April Meeting 2023, the Future of Physics Days team presented a career workshop for undergraduate students to help them launch their physics careers.
Please review slides from the presentation as well as main takeaways from the career workshop and resources included on this page.
Physics Career Data
Based on data from AIP, approximately half of physics students with bachelor's degrees go on to get jobs and half go on to graduate schools. Physicists are very employable!
The initial employment sectors that physicists with bachelor's degrees went into in 2019 and 2020 combined were:
- The private sector (59%)
- College and university (18%)
- High school (6%)
- Active military service (3%)
- Civilian government employment and national labs (7%)
- Other (8%)
Fields of employment for new physics bachelors in the private sector in 2019 and 2020 combined included:
- Engineering (35%)
- Computer science (24%)
- Other STEM jobs (15%)
- Non-STEM jobs that regularly solve technical problems (14%)
- Non-STEM jobs that don't regularly solve technical problems (8%)
- Physics or astronomy (4%)
According to data from AIP, in 2018, new physics bachelors earned starting salaries between $40,000-$70,000. Positions that paid more were often found in the private sector. Wherever they are employed, physics bachelors can have a deep impact on society.
Physics Career Paths
In the private sector, physics students with bachelor's degrees often go into computer science, engineering, sales, consulting, teaching, and medical physics.
Students with master's degrees in physics may pursue work in management, research, and product development.
Those with PhDs in physics frequently do scientific research, data science, and management.
By studying physics at any level, you acquire both technical and non-technical skills, such as:
- Applied research
- Technical problem solving
- Teaching
- Programming
- Documentation
- Data and error analysis
- Advanced mathematics
- Simulation and modeling
- Design and development
- Using specialized equipment
- Quality control
- Concise and accurate writing that tailors message to an audience
- Management and leadership for groups of people and projects (creating task lists,
- developing timelines, setting goals, etc.)
- Experience developing and managing budgets
APS Career Resources
APS provides undergraduates with many resources to explore career paths and find jobs, including:
The Guidebook
This resource contains thought-provoking questions and information to guide your career exploration and job search.
APS Careers Guide 2023
Discover the guidance you need to land a job in physics and explore the possibilities open to you with a physics background.
American Institute of Physics (AIP) & Society of Physics Student (SPS) Career Resources
As partners with APS for Future of Physics Days, AIP and SPS also provide career resources for students, including:
Grad School Shopper
Highlighting schools and programs that match your interests
Common Job Titles for Physics Bachelor’s
Information from AIP's research into physics bachelor's
FPD is a collaboration between the American Physical Society (APS) and the Society of Physics Students (SPS).
About Future of Physics Days
Discover how Future of Physics Days at APS events can lead you to discover your career in physics.
Learn more about Future of Physics Days (FPD)
Join APS
For students, the first year is free! Become a member.
Questions?
Contact the APS Senior Careers Program Manager.
Top Presenters at the 2023 APS March Meeting
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