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Physicists

THE JOB

PHYSICISTS investigate and analyze various forms of energy, the structure
and physical properties of matter, and the relationship between the two.
As a result of their efforts, our understanding of the world around us is
more complete.  Frequently, their endeavors either directly or indirectly
result in new technologies that have had profound effects on our lives.
Radar, television, lasers, x-ray machines and atomic power all came about
from Physicists' quest for basic scientific knowledge.  Some major branches
of physics are Solid State Physics, Nuclear Physics, Optical Physics, Fluid
and Plasma Physics and Space and Planetary Physics.

Many Physicists are engaged in Research and development.  Some do basic
Research to increase scientific knowledge.  Theoretical Physicists work with
mathematical formulas.  Experimental Physicists use systematic observation
and measurement, sometimes designing new instruments for this purpose.  They
use  computers to aid in the complex computations that are an integral part
of modern physics.  The difference between theoretical and experimental
Physicists is often merely one of emphasis.

Engineering-oriented Physicists perform applied Research, developing new or
improved products.  For example, the work of Physicists specializing in
solid state physics led to the development of transistors and microchips.
These devices replaced vacuum tubes in most applications, and have led to
ever-smaller hearing aids, and to smaller and faster computers.  Almost one-
half of all Physicists with Ph.D.s work at colleges and universities as
Research or Teaching Physicists, many combining both activities.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Laboratory work may expose Physicists to radiation, high voltage electrical
equipment and toxic materials.  Stringent control systems are effective in
avoiding illness and injury.  The Physicist may also work in comfortable
offices and computer input facilities.  Some travel may be necessary.
Sometimes projects can be tedious, demanding, and subject to failure.
Physicists may belong to member societies of the American Physics Society,
the American Institute of Physics or to the American Association for the
Advancement of Science, an interdisciplinary organization.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market
Information Division, shows that the number of physicists will decline
through 2005.

These figures represent the broad occupational group Physicists and
Astronomers, which includes Physicists.

Estimated number of workers in 1993           1,110
Estimated number of workers in 2005             970
Projected Growth 1993 - 2005                   -13%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   360

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

The job market for Physicists with undergraduate or graduate degrees will be
poor, especially as employment opportunities in the federal government and
colleges and universities remain restricted.

Opportunities are best for Physicists who have training in applied physics,
with course work in engineering, geology or related science disciplines.
These graduates have an advantage in finding employment in firms which
manufacture or service electronics equipment.  They may also work in weapons
Research settings or defense installations or for the armed forces. In any
of these settings, they are most likely to be involved in Research and
development or design and development efforts.  They may also program, teach
or work in quality control settings.


WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Salary surveys indicate that beginning monthly salaries in private industry
for Physicists average about $2,900 per month.  They may earn up to $7,100
or more per month.  Physicists who work for the federal government are hired
at the GS-9 levels, which starts at $2,521 per month.  They can promote up
to the GS-15 level, which may or may not be a management position.  The
maximum salary at this level is $7,857 per month.

Community colleges, state colleges and universities also employ sizable
numbers of Physicists as teachers and professors.  The pay received varies
upon the institution and the amount of education and experience a Physicist
brings to the job.  Physicists with a doctorate employed by the State
University system earned about $3,500 to $5,950 per month, for a nine month
schedule.  University of California professors earn from $3,300 to $8,400
per month.  Physics professors employed with the Community Colleges earn
between from $2,646 to $5,773 per month.  Many Physicists supplement their
regular income through consulting work and special Research projects.

Most Physicists work an average of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
Benefits usually include medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
Benefits also include vacations, holidays and sick leave.  Most companies
provide retirement and profit sharing plans.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

More than 55 California colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees
in physics; approximately 22 offer advanced degrees.  In addition,
engineering schools offer a physics major as part of the general curriculum.
The undergraduate program in physics serves as a base for later
specialization either in graduate school or on the job.  A bachelor's degree
in physics is generally the minimum educational requirement for a career as
a Physicist.  Physicists with bachelor's degrees qualify for jobs in applied
Research and development work in private industry or the federal government.
Some become Research assistants in colleges and universities while working
toward advanced degrees.  Many persons with bachelor's degrees in physics
enter non-technical work, other sciences, or engineering.  Disciplined
creativity, perseverance and the ability to concentrate on detail are
important elements for success.  The occupation requires constant study and
the ability to work as a leader or member of a team as well as independently.

Six years of graduate study is the median required to obtain a Ph.D.  Most
faculty members of four-year college or university physics hold doctorates.
A Ph.D. is also needed for positions with responsibility for Research and
development.  Physicists with master's degrees and junior college teaching
credentials are eligible to instruct in California community colleges.


ADVANCEMENT

Physicists who gain experience in private industry may advance to more
responsible positions in Research, management or sales.  Supervision of
other Physicists and Research staff is possible for persons with interest 
and ability.  At most academic institutions, Physicists begin as assistant
professor, associate professor and then promote to tenured professor,
depending on the quality of their teaching and published Research.

Some Physicists decide to open their own consulting business, while others
may set up their own Research laboratory.


FINDING THE JOB

There are a number of ways for Physicists to find a job.  College and
university placement offices and physics department faculty are a good
source of information, especially for faculty positions in college and
universities.   Professional societies may also be a source of job leads,
and students are encouraged to join them.  Other job leads can come from
newspapers and professional journals advertisements, local Employment
Development Department offices, and through employers, such as nuclear
utility companies, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and National Laboratories at Lawrence Livermore, U.C.
Berkeley and Stanford University.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

American Institute of Physics
Career Planning and Placement Department
1 Physics Ellipse 
College Park, MD 20740-3843
(301) 209-3100
www.aip.org


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Electrical/Electronic Engineers    No.    12
Mathematicians                     No.    66
Meteorologists                     No.   200
Nuclear Engineers                  No.   367
Health Physicists                  No.   386


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) 
Physicist                        023.061-014
Physicist, Theoretical           023.067-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) 
System Physicists & Astronomers       241020


Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.