10 of the Most Popular Types of Physical Science Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Physical Science jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Physical Science Jobs

• Physicist

  Salary range: $59,000 - $112,000

  Physicists study, design, and perform scientific experiments to test theories of matter and energy. They may use advanced technological equipment like lasers, particle accelerators, or telescopes in their work. They find ways to apply physical laws and theories to practical areas like medical instrumentation and aerospace technology.

• Physics Research Scientist

  Salary range: $107,500 - $173,000

  Physics Research Scientist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Physics Research Scientist jobs pay between $107,500 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Physics Research Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• High Energy Physics

  Salary range: $43,500 - $50,500

  High Energy Physics is a typical job search query Most salaries for High Energy Physics jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $50,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for High Energy Physics job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Applied Science

  Salary range: $38,500 - $52,000

  Applied Science is a common job search query. Most salaries for Applied Science jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $52,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Applied Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Engineering Physics

  Salary range: $26,000 - $53,000

  Engineering Physics is a common job search query. Most salaries for Engineering Physics jobs pay between $26,000 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Engineering Physics job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Entry Level Physicist

  Salary range: $59,000 - $112,000

  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.

• Community College Physics

  Salary range: $26,000 - $53,000

  Community College Physics is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Community College Physics jobs pay between $26,000 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Community College Physics job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Natural Science Internship

  Salary range: $26,000 - $36,500

  Natural Science Internship is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Natural Science Internship jobs pay between $26,000 (25th percentile) and $36,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Natural Science Internship job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Physics

  Salary range: $26,000 - $53,000

  Physics is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Physics jobs pay between $26,000 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Physics job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Materials Scientist

  Salary range: $93,500 - $167,000

  A materials scientist researches and studies the chemical structures and properties of materials such as metals, rubber, and ceramics. As a materials scientist, your job duties involve determining ways to create, enhance, or combine elements for use in products and applications. Because the field of materials science is broad, scientists tend to specialize in a material type or technique. To pursue a career as a materials scientist, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree or doctorate and extensive experience in a laboratory setting. Many materials scientists also train in specific disciplines, such as organic chemistry or ceramic engineering. Additional qualifications include excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and computer science skills, as well as an understanding of statistical analysis.