Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
At a Glance
Physicists earns a median of $166,290/yr with +4.0% projected growth. Typical entry: Doctoral or professional degree. Top skills: Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Reasoning.
$166,290/yr
+4.0%
2
Doctoral or professional degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (17)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Knowledge (6)
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Abilities (20)
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Technology (28)
Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (21)
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Work Styles (2)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Software Developers
Computer and Mathematical · 216 shared skills
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 216 shared skills
Computer Programmers
Computer and Mathematical · 214 shared skills
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 212 shared skills
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer and Mathematical · 212 shared skills
Computer User Support Specialists
Computer and Mathematical · 212 shared skills
Information Technology Project Managers
Computer and Mathematical · 211 shared skills
Computer Network Architects
Computer and Mathematical · 211 shared skills
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