2

Entry Level Physics Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Physics information

See Oklahoma salary details

$4

$18

$23

How much do entry level physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level physics in Oklahoma is $18.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physics vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level PhysicsEntry Level Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Physics or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, tech companiesManufacturing, design firms, engineering consultancies
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companiesAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search IntentUnderstanding physics roles, research opportunitiesEngineering roles, design projects

Entry Level Physics focuses on fundamental scientific research and theoretical understanding, often in labs or academia. Entry Level Mechanical Engineering emphasizes designing, analyzing, and manufacturing mechanical systems. While both require a bachelor's degree, their work environments and industry applications differ, catering to distinct career paths.

What typical projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level physicist?

As an entry-level physicist, you can expect to support senior researchers with data collection, analysis, and laboratory experiments. You may assist in setting up experimental apparatus, recording results, and using specialized software for simulations or data modeling. Collaboration with engineers, technicians, and other scientists is common, especially when troubleshooting equipment or interpreting findings. Over time, you'll gain more responsibility and may have the opportunity to contribute to research papers or present findings at team meetings.

What is an entry level physicist?

Entry level physics jobs are positions typically suited for recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field. These roles often include job titles such as research assistant, laboratory technician, data analyst, or quality control specialist. They provide opportunities to apply foundational physics knowledge in real-world settings, gain practical experience, and develop technical and analytical skills. Entry level positions may be found in industries like education, research, engineering, technology, or healthcare. These jobs can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles with further experience or education.

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 concepts, strong mathematical skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), laboratory equipment, and simulation tools is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication help you stand out in research and team environments. These skills and qualities enable accurate experimentation, effective problem-solving, and clear dissemination of findings, which are essential for success in physics roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics jobs in Oklahoma?

The most popular types of Physics jobs in Oklahoma are:

What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Entry Level Physics jobs?

Cities in Oklahoma with the most Entry Level Physics job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Physics job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $38,532 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Therapeutic Medical Physicist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Oklahoma City, OK โ€ข On-site

$133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Board Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to TMP positions in the VHA must be board certified in the field of therapeutic medical physics by an approved certifying body. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education.
Approved Certifying Bodies
(a) The American Board of Radiology (ABR) in any of the following field titles:
  1. Therapeutic Medical Physics
  2. Therapeutic Radiologic or Therapeutic Radiological Physics
  3. Radiologic Physics or Radiological Physics
(b) The American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) in the subfield of Radiation Oncology Physics.
(c) The Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM) in the subfield of Radiation Oncology Physics.
Exception for Non-Board Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-board certified TMPs designated by the certifying agency (e.g., American Board of Radiology) as "board eligible", who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate TMP under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed 2 years for a TMP that provides care under the supervision of a board certified TMP at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-12 entry level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be board certified. Temporary appointments of non-board certified TMPs may not be extended beyond 2 years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.
Failure to Obtain Board Certification. In all cases, uncertified TMPs must actively pursue obtaining board certification from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the uncertified TMP with the written requirements for board certification, the date by which board certification must be obtained, and the consequences for not becoming board certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain board certification by the prescribed date will result in removal from the GS-601 TMP series and may result in termination of employment.
Loss of Board Certification. Once board certified, TMPs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted board certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of board certification may result in termination of employment.
Grandfathering Provision. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Therapeutic Medical Physicist (Entry Level)
Experience, Education, and Board Certification. None beyond the basic requirements. (NOTE: See exception to certification requirement above.)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of the scientific and technical principles and properties of radiotherapy devices for external beam radiotherapy. This includes specialized knowledge of the clinical applications of these devices.
  2. Ability to exercise independent judgment in the calibration and commissioning of external beam photon and electron beam delivery devices for clinical use. This includes specialized knowledge of the acceptance testing and commissioning of radiation therapy treatment simulation equipment such as Computerized Tomography (CT) simulators.
  3. Scientific and technical knowledge of electronic data handling techniques and software.
  4. Ability to exercise independent judgment in the safe operation of radiotherapy equipment and quality assurance. This includes specialized knowledge of sources of uncertainty associated with treatment delivery and how to minimize the deviation between planned and delivered treatments; configuration of test equipment and associated software; and expected equipment performance for external beam radiotherapy treatment, brachytherapy, and simulation equipment.
  5. Detailed scientific and technical knowledge of radiotherapy treatment planning principles, treatment planning algorithms, and treatment delivery.
  6. Knowledge of scientific and technical aspects of brachytherapy delivery systems and radiation sources.
  7. Ability to exercise independent judgment in radiation shielding techniques for external beam delivery systems. This includes specialized knowledge of detection and survey methods for external beam delivery systems. This also includes knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines for radiation shielding and protection.
  8. Knowledge of multi-modality medical imaging to include a detailed scientific and technical understanding of megavoltage photon beam imaging, CT, radiographic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission computed tomography.
GS-13 Therapeutic Medical Physicist (Full Performance Level)
Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge regarding the safe and efficient use of all radiotherapy devices for external beam radiotherapy.
  2. The ability to evaluate and ensure correct and safe operation of radiotherapy equipment through complex problem diagnosis and scheduled quality assurance.
  3. Knowledge of the scientific, clinical, and technical applications of high dose rate and low dose rate brachytherapy treatment simulation, planning, dosimetry, and treatment methods.
  4. Expertise in the professional, scientific, and technical aspects of shielding methods for external beam radiation delivery systems, radiation survey methods, developing procedures, setting action levels, delivering radiation safety training, developing and documenting competencies, and reporting. This includes an in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines for radiation shielding and personnel protection.
  5. Ability to exercise independent professional judgment in the performance and evaluation of calibration, acceptance testing, and clinical commissioning procedures for all types of external beam photon and electron beam delivery systems. Skilled in the evaluation of acceptance testing and commissioning results of CT simulators.
  6. Technical skills in 3-D treatment planning, intensity modulated radiation therapy treatment planning, and stereotactic body radiation therapy planning. This includes specialized knowledge of clinical process steps and resource requirements for planning and delivery of radiation oncology treatments.
  7. Ability to process information from multi-modality imaging datasets for treatment planning, treatment verification, and radiotherapy response assessment.
References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G48
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-12 to GS-13.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER