Physicists and astronomers
Career Overview
Physicists and Astronomers are both a part of this occupational group.
Physicists:
- Conduct research to gain knowledge of the natural world and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, and medicine and health
- Work for electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies; telecommunications companies; power utilities, university and government research laboratories; hospitals; and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, research and consulting firms
Astronomers:
- Conduct research to extend knowledge of the universe
- Work for government and universities
Job Titles
Duties
Physicists:
- Design and carry out research in experimental and theoretical physics
- Carry out analysis of research data and prepare research reports
- Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and creation of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures
May specialize in fields such as:
- Aeronomy and space
- Acoustics
- Atomic and molecular physics
- Biophysics
- Condensed matter or solid state physics
- Electromagnetic
- Fluids and aerodynamics
- Health physics
- Medical physics
- Metrology
- Particle physics
- Optics and laser physics
- Nuclear physics
- Plasma physics
Astronomers:
- Design and carry out observational surveys, detailed analyses and numerical models to gain knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
- Create or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
470% Employed Full Time
80%Work in this occupation is typically performed in a structured environment, such as an office or a university. Work may also be conducted either outdoors or in observatories.
Hazards exist as a part of carrying out various job duties within these occupations. For example, exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and radioactive substances, or non-ionizing radiation, such as radio frequencies and infrared, ultraviolet or visible light, may affect health adversely. Use of safety precautions and procedures minimize these risks.
Career Pathways
Physicists may work closely with and perform some of the duties of engineers. Also, mobility between specializations within physics, within astronomy and other fields of science, such as meteorology and geophysics, is possible with experience. Progression to management positions is possible with experience.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
- Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline
- Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Astronomy
- Physics Related
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
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.
Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
470Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 10 | 2.1% |
| Kootenay | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 315 | 67.0% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 0 | 0.0% |
| Northeast | 0 | 0.0% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 25 | 5.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 115 | 24.5% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
220Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | Not available | Not available |
| Kootenay | Not available | Not available |
| Mainland/Southwest | 170 | 2.3% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 10 | 1.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 40 | 1.2% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 130 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 40 |
| Public Administration | 20 |
| Educational Services | 10 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Resources
Resource information is currently not available.
