20 most popular jobs upon graduation for students majoring in physics

Here’s a practical guide to the 20 most popular jobs for graduates with physics degrees. Physics majors often learn how to model complex systems, crunch numbers, and solve tough problems. Employers value that flexibility. Some jobs stay close to research and science, while others veer into finance, data, engineering, and even business roles. The common thread: you know how to analyze, explain, and build.

• Research Assistant (Academic or Corporate)
  Supporting labs with experiments, simulations, and data analysis in physics, materials, or energy.
• Data Analyst
  Using statistical and programming skills to clean, interpret, and visualize data across industries.
• Software Developer
  Applying programming and logical problem-solving to build apps, tools, or simulations.
• Systems Engineer
  Coordinating technical systems that combine hardware, software, and processes.
• Mechanical Engineer (entry-level roles)
  Designing and testing mechanical systems in aerospace, automotive, or robotics.
• Electrical Engineer (entry-level roles)
  Supporting power, electronics, or communications projects with applied physics knowledge.
• Materials Scientist
  Researching and testing metals, polymers, and composites for consumer and industrial use.
• Medical Physicist (assistant roles)
  Supporting diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, and hospital equipment calibration.
• Lab Technician (physics focus)
  Running tests, maintaining equipment, and supporting experiments in industrial or academic labs.
• Optics / Photonics Technician
  Working with lasers, fiber optics, and optical devices in healthcare, defense, and telecommunications.
• Aerospace Technician / Engineer
  Supporting design, testing, and analysis of aircraft and spacecraft systems.
• Energy Analyst
  Studying energy use, renewable systems, and efficiency for utilities, governments, or companies.
• Financial Analyst / Quantitative Analyst
  Using math and modeling to evaluate investments, manage risk, or design trading strategies.
• Data Scientist (junior)
  Building models and algorithms to solve real-world problems, from business forecasting to AI.
• Geophysicist (entry-level)
  Applying physics to earth sciences—seismology, mining, oil exploration, or environmental projects.
• Nuclear Technician
  Supporting nuclear power plants, radiation labs, or energy projects with safety and testing.
• Patent Examiner / IP Assistant (science focus)
  Reviewing technical patents in electronics, materials, and energy.
• Science Educator (secondary or outreach)
  Teaching physics at the high school level or building public science engagement programs.
• Technical Consultant
  Advising clients on technical systems, implementations, or analysis-heavy projects.
• Defense / R&D Associate
  Supporting government or private-sector research on defense systems, sensors, and emerging tech.

---

How to Use This List

Physics majors have a reputation for versatility. You can go into research, engineering, data, or finance, depending on what excites you. The differentiator is proof of applied skills. Employers want to see coding projects, simulations, lab experience, or even problem sets that turned into solutions. If you can show that you’ve taken theory and built something real—whether it’s a working prototype, a published analysis, or a data model—you’ll stand out in the job market.