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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Physicist information

See Florida salary details

$29.5K

$70.8K

$169.3K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in Florida is $70,847.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $83,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Physicist Do?

As an entry-level physicist assist, you assist other team members to develop and evaluate the results of an experiment or design. You use sophisticated software to conduct the analyses and verify the feasibility of the projects. You can find entry-level physicist positions in a variety of industries, including communications, medical technology, and electronics. Duties vary with the job and your experience. In this role, you typically perform support tasks instead of actual research. Other responsibilities include writing grants for funding, entering data, and performing other administrative duties.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level physicists when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Entry level physicists often encounter challenges when adapting to the faster-paced, results-driven environment of industry compared to academia. They may need to quickly learn new technical tools, adjust to collaborative projects with multidisciplinary teams, and align their research to business goals rather than purely scientific inquiry. Effective communication and the ability to translate complex concepts for non-specialist colleagues are also crucial skills that may require additional development. Seeking mentorship and actively engaging with colleagues can help ease this transition and foster professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Physicist, you need a solid understanding of core physics principles, strong mathematical skills, and at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field. Familiarity with analytical software such as MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW, as well as experience with laboratory equipment and data analysis tools, is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help set candidates apart in collaborative research and technical discussions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting experiments, interpreting results, and contributing to both academic and industry-driven projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physicist vs Research Assistant in Physics?

AspectEntry Level PhysicistResearch Assistant in Physics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesResearch labs, universities, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers seek entry-level physicists for research and analysis rolesEmployers hire research assistants to support physics research projects

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and work environments. An Entry Level Physicist often has more responsibilities in analysis and project development, while a Research Assistant primarily supports ongoing research activities. The main difference lies in job scope and potential career progression.

What does an entry level physicist do?

An entry level physicist typically assists in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting research projects under the supervision of more experienced physicists. Their duties may include setting up laboratory equipment, running simulations, and documenting results. They often work in academic, government, or industrial settings and may contribute to scientific papers or presentations. Entry level physicists also continue learning new techniques and may collaborate with other scientists or engineers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physicist jobs in Florida? For Entry Level Physicist jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physicist jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physicist jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Entry Level Physicist jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Entry Level Physicist job openings:
Instructor, Physics

Instructor, Physics

Pensacola State College

Pensacola, FL • On-site

$47K - $53K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 28 days ago


Pensacola State College rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Join the PSC family and connect with accomplished and diverse colleagues who inspire and innovate students and transform lives and futures. Along with helping our students reach their goals, Pensacola State makes career fulfillment a reality.Job Description:

The Physics Instructor position is a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position with an anticipated start date of August 2026. The successful candidate will teach a variety of physics courses including Introductory Physics, Algebra-Based Physics, Calculus-Based Physics, Physics Labs, and other Physical Science courses such as Descriptive Astronomy or Meteorology as assigned. The position requires the effective teaching and advising of diverse students, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to the comprehensive state college mission. In addition, the instructor will prepare course plans and materials, effectively deliver subject matter content, monitor student attendance and progress, participate on departmental and College committees, participate in curriculum development, support activities that foster retention, participate in the selection of textbooks, perform the assessment of student learning outcomes, and take part in other service and professional development activities. Multiple campus, day, evening, and distance learning teaching assignments are possible. This position reports to the Department Head, Natural Sciences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an institution that holds accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and approved by the College with a master's degree in Physics or Physical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in Physics. Successful results of a criminal background check are required.

Pursuant to College policy, it is an employment eligibility requirement for an applicant to meet the requirements of 435.04(2), Florida Statutes, related to background investigations. Any person failing to meet the requirements of the statute will be deemed not qualified to hold employment in this position. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) approved background check will be conducted on every successful candidate as a condition of employment, and any person who fails to disclose any adverse information contained in the background investigation at the time of submitting the employment application will be disqualified from employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Prefer graduation from an institution that holds accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and approved by the College with a doctoral degree in Physics and post-secondary teaching experience.

SALARY RANGE:

$42,250.00 - $48,250.00 for a 9-month contract with a master's degree.

$47,000.00 - $53,000.00 for a 9-month contract with a doctoral degree.

(Entry level salary is based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.)

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: All supplemental materials must be submitted electronically via the Workday applicant portal. For questions or to obtain assistance uploading the supplemental materials, contact HR Recruiting at HRRecruiting@pensacolastate.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled - Review of applications will begin July 1, 2026. To receive full consideration, the online application and supplemental materials must be received by June 30, 2026.

Pay Details:

Faculty members hired with less than three years of related experience shall be placed on the salary schedule as follows:

164 Day Base (2025 - 2026)

  • Bachelor's or Less - $39,500
  • Master's - $42,250
  • Master's Plus - $44,000
  • Doctorate - $47,000

All degree classification levels add the appropriate dollars (up to $6,000) for years of credited experience to the annual salary figures above to determine entry salary.

Pensacola State College offers a comprehensive benefits package for health, dental, vision, hospitalization, and supplemental insurance benefits through the State of Florida's Group Insurance Program. All employees in established, eligible positions are members of the Florida Retirement System from their first day of employment. Other benefits offered include participation in the wellness program, tuition waivers, educational opportunities, and paid sick leave. Additional leave types are position specific.


Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any personon the basis ofrace,color,ethnicity,religion,sex (as defined by applicable federal and state law),national origin,age,disability, genetic information, pregnancy, ormaritalstatus inits educational programs, activities, or employment. For inquiriesregardingthe College's nondiscrimination policies, contact the Civil Rights Compliance Officer at (850) 484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.


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