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Particle Physicist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$74K/yr

... relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or ...

$74K/yr

... relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or ...

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Particle Physicist information

See Virginia salary details

$39.2K

$94K

$224.6K

How much do particle physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for particle physicist in Virginia is $93,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Particle Physicist vs Nuclear Physicist?

AspectParticle PhysicistNuclear Physicist
Required credentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferredPhysics or nuclear engineering degree, PhD often preferred
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, large collidersNuclear facilities, research reactors, laboratories
Industry usageHigh-energy physics, fundamental particlesNuclear energy, radiation, nuclear safety

Particle Physicists focus on understanding fundamental particles and forces at high-energy colliders, often working in large research facilities. Nuclear Physicists study atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions, and applications in energy and medicine. While both roles require advanced physics knowledge and similar credentials, their work environments and research focus differ significantly.

What jobs can you get with a particle physics degree?

Particle physics graduates can pursue careers as research scientists at national laboratories or universities, working on experiments and data analysis. They also find roles in data analysis, software development, and engineering in industries such as aerospace, medical imaging, and technology companies, often utilizing skills in programming, problem-solving, and complex data interpretation.

What does a particle physicist do?

A particle physicist studies the fundamental particles and forces that make up matter and the universe. They conduct experiments using large particle accelerators, analyze data, and develop theories to understand subatomic phenomena. The role often requires strong skills in physics, mathematics, and programming, along with advanced degrees such as a Ph.D.

What is the average salary of a particle physicist?

The average salary of a particle physicist in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior physicists or those working at major research institutions may earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills in data analysis and experimental design.

Is particle physics a good career?

Particle physics is a specialized field within physics that involves research at universities, laboratories, and research institutions, often requiring advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. It offers opportunities for research, data analysis, and collaboration but can be highly competitive and may involve irregular hours and funding challenges. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about fundamental science and discovery.
What are popular job titles related to Particle Physicist jobs in Virginia? For Particle Physicist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Particle Physicist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Particle Physicist job openings:
Infographic showing various Particle Physicist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,991 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

$127K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

You will serve as a Manager in the Sensor Distribution & Display Systems Branch, Combat Systems Readiness Division of NAVSURFWARCENACT DAM NECK VA.
This position is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project. The full performance level of ND-05 pay band encompasses positions equivalent to the GS-14 and GS-15.Qualifications:This is an Interdisciplinary position that can be filled by the 0801 (General Engineering), 1301 (General Physical Science), 1515 (Operations Research, 1520 (Mathematics), or the 1550 (Computer Science) series. The series that the selected applicant will be placed into depends on their qualifications.
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-04 pay band (GS-12 and GS-13 equivalency) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional engineer or scientist providing leadership for an engineering or scientific project to ensure the successful development, installation, or sustainment of a combat system.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
IOR for the 0801 series
IOR for the 1301 series
IOR for the 1515 series
IOR for the 1520 series
IOR for the 1550 series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess at least one of the following:
0801:
Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR,
Combination of education and experience. College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1) Professional registration or licensure; 2) Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering examination; 3) Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program; or 4) Related Curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. OPM stipulates there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience.
1301:
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR,
Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
1515:
Degree: in operations research; OR at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
1520:
Degree: mathematics; or the equivalent of a major that included at least 24 semester hours in mathematics. OR,
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
AND
The total course work in either option above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent mathematics courses as a prerequisite.
1550:
Degree: Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.Employment Type: OTHER