Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics. PayThe median annual wage for astronomers was $128,820 in May 2025.The median annual wage for physicists was $172,250 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicists and astronomers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicists and astronomers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for astronomers was $128,820 in May 2025.The median annual wage for physicists was $172,250 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicists and astronomers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicists and astronomers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicists and astronomers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicists and astronomers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
Work Environment
Physicists and astronomers may work in offices, research laboratories, and observatories. Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Physicist or Astronomer
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics.
Pay
The median annual wage for astronomers was $128,820 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for physicists was $172,250 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicists and astronomers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicists and astronomers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Physicists and astronomers may work in offices, research laboratories, and observatories. Most physicists and astronomers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Physicist or Astronomer
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics.
Pay
The median annual wage for astronomers was $128,820 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for physicists was $172,250 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicists and astronomers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicists and astronomers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicists and astronomers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicists and astronomers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about physicists and astronomers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.