18 Jobs In Which Your Knowledge Of Physics Could Fetch You More Than $100,000 A Year

by Sophia Miller

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Let's face it, back in high school, physics was not for slouches. It was a hard subject and then some people go on to college to study it further in one degree program or the other. It however has it rewards and depending on the career path you decide to follow, you could earn more than $100,000 on the average.

Physics, which involves 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, belongs to the mathematics and science knowledge domain. Mathematics and science is knowledge of the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological, social, mathematical, and geography. Other knowledge attributes that belong in this group are

Mathematics
Chemistry
Biology
Psychology
Sociology and Anthropology
Geography

The occupations where physics play a major role are listed below.

Astronomers
Astronomers observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include computers and electronics, education and training, english language and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $87,260 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 16.03%

Physicists
Physicists conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include computers and electronics, engineering and technology, english language and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $106,370 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 15.89%

Nuclear engineers
Nuclear engineers conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include chemistry, computers and electronics, design, education and training, engineering and technology, english language, mathematics, mechanical and public safety and security.
Median Annual Salary: $99,920 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 10.95%

Agricultural engineers
Agricultural engineers apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include building and construction, computers and electronics, customer and personal service, design, engineering and technology, mathematics and mechanical.
Median Annual Salary: $71,090 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 12.13%

Aerospace engineers
Aerospace engineers perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They may also conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. They may also recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include computers and electronics, design, engineering and technology, english language, mathematics and mechanical.
Median Annual Salary: $97,480 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 10.39%

Chemical engineers
Chemical engineers design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include administration and management, chemistry, computers and electronics, design, engineering and technology, mathematics and production and processing.
Median Annual Salary: $90,300

Biomedical engineers
Biomedical engineers apply knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and heath management and care delivery systems. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include biology, chemistry, computers and electronics, design, engineering and technology, english language and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $81,540 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 72.02%

Civil engineers
Civil engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geo-technical engineers. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include building and construction, customer and personal service, design, engineering and technology, english language, mathematics, public safety and security and transportation.
Median Annual Salary: $77,560 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 24.27%

Environmental engineers
Environmental engineers research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include chemistry, customer and personal service, design, engineering and technology, law and government and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $78,740 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 30.62%

Hydrologists
Hydrologists research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include biology, chemistry, computers and electronics, customer and personal service, design, engineering and technology, english language, geography and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $75,690 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 18.25%

Mechanical engineers
Mechanical engineers perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include computers and electronics, design, engineering and technology, mathematics and mechanical.
Median Annual Salary: $78,160 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 6.03%

Petroleum engineers
Petroleum engineers devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include computers and electronics, engineering and technology and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $114,080 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 18.39%

Electrical engineers
Electrical engineers research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include computers and electronics, design, engineering and technology, mathematics and mechanical.
Median Annual Salary: $84,540 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 1.71%

Nuclear power reactor operators
Nuclear power reactor operators operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. They may also respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
Median Annual Salary: $75,650 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 18.91%

Atmospheric and space scientists
Atmospheric and space scientists investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include computers and electronics, customer and personal service, geography and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $87,780 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 14.68%

Food scientists and technologists
Food scientists and technologists use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include biology, chemistry, engineering and technology, english language, food production, mathematics and production and processing.
Median Annual Salary: $60,180 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 16.32%

Commercial divers
Commercial divers work below surface of water, using scuba gear to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. They may also use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. They may also conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include building and construction, engineering and technology and mechanical.
Median Annual Salary: $51,360 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 5.77%

Environmental engineering technicians
Environmental engineering technicians apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientist. They may also assist in the development of environmental remediation devices. Other knowledge domains that are considered important for this occupation include chemistry, design, engineering and technology and mathematics.
Median Annual Salary: $43,390 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 30.1%