Career Paths From Physicists

Possible next moves, computed from skill overlap, O*NET occupational relatedness, preparation level, education, and pay — not a record of people who actually made these moves.

Biochemists and BiophysicistsLateral Move91% skill match
Physicists and Biochemists and Biophysicists share a similar Transferable Skills profile (91% match). Biochemists and Biophysicists sits at a similar preparation level, so this would be more of a lateral move. Median salary is about 26% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$127,410
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
5
Computer and Information Research ScientistsCareer Change92.7% skill match
Physicists and Computer and Information Research Scientists share a similar Transferable Skills profile (93% match). Computer and Information Research Scientists is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Median salary is about 19% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$140,300
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
5
Aerospace EngineersCareer Change91.1% skill match
Physicists and Aerospace Engineers share a similar Transferable Skills profile (91% match). Aerospace Engineers is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (4 vs 5). Median salary is about 22% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$134,960
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
4
Database ArchitectsCareer Change93.3% skill match
Physicists and Database Architects share a similar Transferable Skills profile (93% match). Database Architects is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (4 vs 5). Median salary is about 19% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$139,500
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
4
Computer Network ArchitectsCareer Change90.7% skill match
Physicists and Computer Network Architects share a similar Transferable Skills profile (91% match). Computer Network Architects is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (4 vs 5). Median salary is about 22% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$134,050
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
4
Medical DosimetristsCareer Change90.5% skill match
Physicists and Medical Dosimetrists share a similar Transferable Skills profile (90% match). Medical Dosimetrists is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (4 vs 5). Median salary is about 14% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$147,470
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
4
Database AdministratorsCareer Change94.8% skill match
Physicists and Database Administrators share a similar Transferable Skills profile (95% match). Database Administrators is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (4 vs 5). Median salary is about 39% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$104,620
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
4
Computer ProgrammersCareer Change91.3% skill match
Physicists and Computer Programmers share a similar Transferable Skills profile (91% match). Computer Programmers is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (4 vs 5). Median salary is about 42% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$100,390
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
4
Web DevelopersCareer Change92.1% skill match
Physicists and Web Developers share a similar Transferable Skills profile (92% match). Web Developers is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (3 vs 5). Median salary is about 46% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$92,650
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
3
Social Science Research AssistantsLateral Move92.2% skill match
Physicists and Social Science Research Assistants share a similar Transferable Skills profile (92% match). Social Science Research Assistants sits at a similar preparation level, so this would be more of a lateral move. Job Zone is lower (4 vs 5). Median salary is about 64% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$61,990
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
4
Architectural and Civil DraftersCareer Change95.3% skill match
Physicists and Architectural and Civil Drafters share a similar Transferable Skills profile (95% match). Architectural and Civil Drafters is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (3 vs 5). Median salary is about 62% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$66,150
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
3
Mechanical DraftersCareer Change93.2% skill match
Physicists and Mechanical Drafters share a similar Transferable Skills profile (93% match). Mechanical Drafters is in a different occupational field, but draws on much of the same underlying skill set. Job Zone is lower (3 vs 5). Median salary is about 58% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$71,550
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
3
AstronomersLateral Move0% skill match
Physicists and Astronomers share a similar Transferable Skills profile (0% match). Astronomers sits at a similar preparation level, so this would be more of a lateral move. Median salary is about 25% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$128,820
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
5
Physics Teachers, PostsecondaryLateral Move0% skill match
Physicists and Physics Teachers, Postsecondary share a similar Transferable Skills profile (0% match). Physics Teachers, Postsecondary sits at a similar preparation level, so this would be more of a lateral move. Median salary is about 42% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$100,310
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
5
MathematiciansLateral Move0% skill match
Physicists and Mathematicians share a similar Transferable Skills profile (0% match). Mathematicians sits at a similar preparation level, so this would be more of a lateral move. Median salary is about 26% lower.
Current median salary
$172,250
Target median salary
$126,710
Current Job Zone
5
Target Job Zone
5

Computed from O*NET Transferable Skills, occupational relatedness and Job Zone data, plus BLS wage and projections data. Categories (Advancement / Lateral Move / Career Change) are derived algorithmically, not self-reported career histories.