Physicists and Astronomers

Significant Points

• Scientific research and development services firms and the Federal Government employ 3 out of 5 physicists and astronomers.
• Most jobs are in basic research and development, usually requiring a doctoral degree; master's degree holders qualify for many jobs in applied research and development, while bachelor's degree holders often qualify as technicians, research assistants, or other types of jobs.
• Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average.
• Competition for jobs is expected; however, graduates with a physics or astronomy degree at any level will find their knowledge of science and mathematics useful for entry to many other occupations.

source: OOH; about this section