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Contract Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Dayton

Research Physicist

Eglin, FL · On-site

Research Physicist Apply now Job No: 503685 Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater ... Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

Tetra Tech

Certified Health Physicist

Erlanger, KY · On-site

... Physicist (CHP) to join our Cincinnati, Ohio office to provide dedicated support on a United States ... EPA) technical support contract. The position will be based in Erlanger, KY, within a U.S. EPA ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

LanceSoft

Travel Physicist

Tampa, FL · On-site

LanceSoft is seeking a travel Physicist for a travel job in Tampa, Florida. & Requirements ... Lancesoft offers short- and long-term contracts, permanent placements, and travel opportunities to ...

Type One Energy

Computational Physicist

Madison, WI · On-site

Highly Competitive Plus Benefits Contract: Permanent, full time Reporting to: Senior Director of Physics Analysis Your role in the mission: Type One Energy is seeking Computational Physicists to ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Certified Health Physicist

Erlanger, KY · On-site

... Physicist (CHP) to join our Cincinnati, Ohio office to provide dedicated support on a United States ... EPA) technical support contract. The position will be based in Erlanger, KY, within a U.S. EPA ...

Access Healthcare

Travel Medical Physicist

Tampa, FL · On-site

Access Healthcare is seeking a travel Medical Physicist for a travel job in Tampa, Florida ... to contracts in all 50 states! We encourage you to join our team and we cannot wait to get to know ...

Arcfield

Mid-Level Physicist

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

Responsibilities The physicist will perform scientific analysis and computational modeling to ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

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Contract Physicist information

See salary details

$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do contract physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid field in physics?

Physicists working in the field of medical physics, particularly in radiation oncology and imaging, tend to have some of the highest salaries due to specialized skills and demand. Additionally, physicists in aerospace, defense, and data science often earn high compensation, especially with advanced degrees and experience in technical roles or leadership positions.

What is the difference between Contract Physicist vs Research Physicist?

AspectContract PhysicistResearch Physicist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD in Physics or related fieldTypically requires a PhD in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary assignments, often freelance or consultingPermanent or long-term research positions in labs or academia
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private companies, consulting firmsUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&D
Work FocusApplying physics to specific projects, often with deliverablesAdvancing scientific knowledge, publishing research

Contract Physicists typically work on short-term projects for various clients, focusing on applying physics skills to meet specific goals. Research Physicists usually hold permanent positions dedicated to scientific discovery and publishing. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by contract physicists, and how can they be addressed?

Contract physicists often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new projects, managing multiple client expectations, and staying updated with the latest research. Since they may work with diverse teams across different organizations, strong communication and time management skills are essential. Building a robust professional network and keeping up with advancements in their field can help contract physicists secure new opportunities and remain competitive. Proactively seeking feedback and clarifying project goals early on also greatly improves project outcomes.

What are contract physicists?

Contract physicists are professionals who work on a temporary or project-by-project basis rather than as permanent employees. They apply their expertise in physics to solve specific problems, conduct research, or provide consulting services for various organizations, such as research institutions, private companies, or government agencies. Their work can involve experimental or theoretical physics and often requires adapting to different projects, environments, and teams. Contract physicists typically negotiate the terms and length of their engagements, which can offer flexibility and diverse experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Physicist, and why are they important?

A Contract Physicist should possess a solid background in physics, analytical problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python is often required. Strong communication, adaptability, and project management skills help them excel in diverse, client-driven environments. These skills ensure precise project delivery, effective collaboration, and the ability to address complex scientific challenges on a contract basis.

What kind of jobs can a physicist get?

A contract physicist can work in various fields such as research and development, government laboratories, aerospace, healthcare, and consulting. They often apply skills in data analysis, modeling, and experimental design, and may require knowledge of programming, instrumentation, and scientific software. These roles can involve project-based work with flexible schedules and specific technical requirements.

How much do physicists make a month?

Contract physicists typically earn between $5,000 and $12,000 per month, depending on experience, specialization, and project scope. Salaries can vary based on the industry, location, and whether the position is full-time or temporary, with higher rates often associated with specialized skills and security clearances.

Are physicists in high demand?

Physicists, including contract physicists, are in moderate demand across industries such as research, technology, and engineering. Employment opportunities depend on specialized skills, advanced degrees, and experience with tools like simulation software and experimental equipment, with job growth expected to be steady in scientific and technical fields.
More about Contract Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Physicist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Physicist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Physicist jobs are:
Contract Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Physicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Research Physicist

Research Physicist

The University of Dayton

Eglin, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

University Of Dayton rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 546 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Physicist

Apply now Job No: 503685
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Eglin AFB, FL
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Energetic Materials - 250515
Pay Grade: R3 - Exempt
Advertised: June 29, 2026
Applications close: July 06, 2026

Position Summary:

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a Research Physicist to join our team at Eglin AFB in sunny Florida. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where you can contribute to cutting-edge research and development supporting the US Air Force. For a career that makes a difference - Apply Today!

The primary purpose of this position is to conduct sponsored on-site research at the AFRL Air Warfare Directorate located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. UDRI is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, scientifically driven, physicist with extensive experience with laser systems, numerical simulations of electromagnetic systems and research in plasmonics and plasmonic nanoparticls.

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Physics or closely related physical science field with a minimum of 3 years related working experience.
Has experience with lasers, laser safety and handling.
Has experience in the field of numerical simulations of electromagnetic systems.
Has extensive experience in finite element method (FEM) numerical simulations.
Has experience in researching plasmonics and plasmonic nanoparticles.
Has experience with periodic photonic structures such as photonic crystals and fiber or nanorod arrays.
Has experience with metamaterials.
Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

At least 20 years' experience preferred.
Previous experience working with AFRL/DoD labs is preferred.
Experience with Comsol Multiphysics software is preferred.
Experience in integrated electro-optical systems is preferred.
Supercomputing experience including familiarity with massively parallel systems and MPI is preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

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