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Physics Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Health Physics Technician 2 Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Health Physics Technician 2 opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Perform contamination and exposure rate ...

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How much do physics technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics technician in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics technician?

Physics technicians are skilled professionals who assist physicists, engineers, and researchers by setting up, operating, and maintaining laboratory equipment used in experiments and testing. They often help collect and analyze data, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure that experiments are conducted safely and accurately. Physics technicians work in various settings such as research labs, universities, manufacturing companies, and government agencies. Their work is essential for advancing scientific research and supporting innovation in technology and industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics technician?

To thrive as a Physics Technician, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and laboratory practices, usually supported by a relevant associate or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring precise experimental results, maintaining safe lab environments, and supporting scientific research and instruction.

What are some common challenges faced by physics technicians when supporting laboratory experiments?

Physics Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting sensitive lab equipment, ensuring accurate calibration, and maintaining a safe working environment. They must be adept at quickly diagnosing technical issues and collaborating closely with physicists, students, and other staff to facilitate smooth experimental setups. Staying organized and keeping up with technological advancements are also essential to effectively support diverse research and teaching activities.

What is the difference between Physics Technician vs Physics Laboratory Assistant?

AspectPhysics TechnicianPhysics Laboratory Assistant
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in physics or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, educational institutions, industry settingsEducational institutions, research labs, schools
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research centers, tech companiesSchools, colleges, research institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and job dutiesClarifying entry requirements and responsibilities

The main difference between a Physics Technician and a Physics Laboratory Assistant lies in their education requirements and responsibilities. Physics Technicians typically hold an associate's or bachelor's degree and perform more complex experiments and technical tasks. Physics Laboratory Assistants usually have a high school diploma and support lab operations and setup. Both roles work in similar environments like research labs and educational institutions, but the technician role generally involves more advanced technical work and qualifications.

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What states have the most Physics Technician jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Physics Technician jobs?

For Physics Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Physics Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Health Physics Technician (HPT)

Orangeville, UT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Valar Atomics
At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable-unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.
The Team
As part of the Plant Operations organization, a Health Physics Technician (HPT) protects personnel, the public, and the environment through comprehensive radiological safety programs. The team monitors radiation, maintains regulatory compliance, and supports safe nuclear operations.
About The Role
Valar Atomics is seeking a Health Physics Technician (HPT) to help establish and maintain world-class radiological protection programs supporting the development, commissioning, and operation of advanced nuclear facilities. This is not a role where you simply perform surveys and complete paperwork-you will be an active partner to operations, maintenance, engineering, and radiation protection teams to ensure work is executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
As a Health Physics Technician, you will be responsible for identifying radiological hazards, implementing effective controls, supporting work execution in the field, and maintaining the high standards required for nuclear operations. You will play a critical role in protecting personnel, facilities, and the environment while helping advance technology that has the potential to reshape the future of energy.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in the field, thrives in a hands-on operational environment, and possesses the judgment and integrity required to maintain a strong nuclear safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform radiological surveys including radiation, contamination, and airborne radioactivity assessments to characterize facility and worksite conditions.
  • Provide continuous or intermittent radiological coverage for operations, maintenance, construction, and testing activities.
  • Verify compliance with Radiological Work Permits (RWPs), work controls, and radiological protection requirements.
  • Exercise stop-work authority when radiological conditions change or personnel safety may be compromised.
  • Establish and maintain radiological postings, barriers, access controls, and contamination control boundaries.
  • Issue, track, and maintain personnel dosimetry, radiological monitoring equipment, and protective equipment.
  • Conduct contamination surveys, smear/swipe surveys, and personnel monitoring activities.
  • Perform daily operability checks, source checks, and routine maintenance of portable and fixed radiation detection instrumentation.
  • Operate and maintain health physics instrumentation including ion chambers, GM survey meters, contamination monitors, friskers, and air sampling equipment.
  • Support implementation of ALARA principles and radiological work planning activities.
  • Serve as a member of the emergency response organization, providing radiological assessment and support during abnormal or emergency conditions.
  • Generate accurate, complete, and technically defensible survey records, logs, and documentation.
  • Support audits, inspections, procedure development, and regulatory compliance activities.
  • Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and safety teams to execute work safely and efficiently.
  • Help build and continuously improve radiological protection processes, procedures, and standards as Valar scales its operations.

Basic Qualifications
  • Associate's degree or higher in Health Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Technology, or a related scientific discipline; OR
  • High School Diploma (or equivalent) and completion of a formal Health Physics Technician qualification program, including:
    • U.S. Navy Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT)
    • ANSI/ANS commercial nuclear qualification program
    • DOE-HDBK-1122 qualification program
    • Equivalent recognized HPT qualification program; OR
  • Current National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) certification.
  • Experience performing radiological surveys involving alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron radiation.
  • Experience conducting contamination surveys and smear/swipe sampling.
  • Proficiency operating portable health physics instrumentation and radiological monitoring equipment.
  • Working knowledge of contamination control, radiological postings, RWPs, personnel monitoring, and ALARA principles.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify changing radiological conditions in the field.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with technicians, engineers, operators, and management personnel.
  • Willingness to relocate to Utah to support facility operations.
  • Ability to travel periodically to Valar headquarters in Hawthorne, California.
  • Ability to work in industrial environments while wearing required PPE and radiological protection equipment.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Previous experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, national laboratories, or DOE contractors.
  • Commercial nuclear power experience.
  • Experience supporting reactor operations, startup, commissioning, maintenance, or refueling activities.
  • Familiarity with reactor systems and associated radiological hazards.
  • Current NRRPT certification.
  • Experience working in highly regulated nuclear or industrial environments.
  • Strong understanding of 10 CFR 835 requirements and radiological protection best practices.
  • Experience supporting emergency preparedness and response organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify hazards, challenge unsafe conditions, and uphold a strong safety culture.
  • Experience helping develop or improve radiological protection programs, procedures, or work controls.

What We Offer
  • Competitive base salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Free daily lunch provided on-site
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
  • The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).