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Physical Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Physical Science tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Physical Science tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Physical Science tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

ARA is known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We employ over 2,200 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout ...

Senior Scientist

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

ARA is known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We employ over 2,200 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout ...

Senior Scientist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

ARA is known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We employ over 2,200 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout ...

ARA is known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We employ over 2,200 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout ...

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Physical Scientist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$42.8K

$79.2K

$146.8K

How much do physical scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical scientist in Raleigh, NC is $79,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physical scientist?

Physical scientists are professionals who study non-living systems and the physical properties of the universe. Their work encompasses fields such as physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology, and astronomy. Physical scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop theories to better understand natural phenomena. They may work in research, education, industry, or government to solve practical problems or advance scientific knowledge.

What does a physical scientist do?

The job duties of a physical scientist include working on research or experiments in their field. Aside from experiment responsibilities, you may design data models or perform testing and analysis. The type of research you do depends on your specialty. A geologist, geographer, or environmental scientist may use data applications such as a geographic information system, while chemists, who are also physical scientists, usually work in a laboratory setting and use chemical analysis programs. Regardless of your specialty, as a physical scientist, you collect data and make recommendations based on your evaluation.

What are some typical projects or tasks a physical scientist might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Physical Scientists often collaborate with professionals from fields such as engineering, biology, and environmental science to address complex problems. Typical projects might include conducting experiments to analyze environmental samples, modeling physical systems, or developing new materials. Teamwork is essential, as you may be responsible for interpreting data, preparing technical reports, or presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. This collaborative environment offers opportunities to broaden your skill set and contribute to impactful scientific solutions.

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

To thrive as a Physical Scientist, you need a solid background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific modeling tools is essential, and certifications such as OSHA safety training can be beneficial. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with diverse teams. These competencies ensure accurate research, innovative problem-solving, and the ability to clearly convey complex scientific findings.

What are careers in physical science?

Careers in physical science involve studying the properties and behaviors of matter and energy, often through research, experimentation, and data analysis. Physical scientists work in laboratories, government agencies, or private industry, using tools like spectroscopy, microscopy, and computer modeling. These roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field, with advanced positions often needing a master's or doctorate.

What degree do you need to be a physical scientist?

A physical scientist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, geology, or a related field. Many positions require a master's degree or higher for advanced research or specialized roles, and strong analytical skills and experience with laboratory equipment or data analysis are also important.

What job categories do people searching Physical Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Physical Scientist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Physical Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Physical Scientist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,245 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Supervisory Biologist/Toxicologist/Chemical Engineer/Physical Scientist/Chemist

Durham, NC • On-site

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$125K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

This position is in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Office of Mission Critical Operations, Risk Assessment Support Division, Advanced Health Effects Solutions Branch. About this organization: OCSPP
This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected).Qualifications:NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.
In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below:
To qualify for the GS-14 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level defined as overseeing multidisciplinary research teams to address complex scientific questions; providing oversight of employees and/or research team members; and planning, and/or participating in a multidisciplinary research team.
To qualify for the GS-15 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level defined as planning, organizing, and directing activities of a research team or organization; providing oversight of employees and/or research team members; planning, and/or participating in a multidisciplinary research team; and serving as a scientific or other expert consultant.
You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Scientific Research* (assessed at GS-15 only)
  • Employee Development
  • Oral Communication
  • Teamwork* (assessed at GS-14 only)
  • Technical Competence*
  • Written Communication*
  • Decision Making
  • Organizational Awareness
*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
*If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.Education:Biologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.
Toxicologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in toxicology; or an appropriate discipline of the biological, medical, or veterinary sciences that included at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, biochemistry, or physiology, and 12 semester hours in toxicology.
Chemical Engineer:
You must have one of the following:
  • Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college
OR
  • Combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional 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 as an engineer.
  2. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
  3. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
  4. Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.
Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visitGS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications.
Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in 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 a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Chemist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit Accreditation.Employment Type: OTHER