2111-NOC

Physicists and astronomers

(NOC 2111)
Annual Earnings
$108,931
Typical Education Background
Degree
Job Openings
(2022-2032)
160

Career Overview

Physicists and Astronomers are both a part of this occupational group.

Physicists:

  • Conduct research to gain knowledge of the natural world and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, and medicine and health
  • Work for electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies; telecommunications companies; power utilities, university and government research laboratories; hospitals; and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, research and consulting firms

Astronomers:

  • Conduct research to extend knowledge of the universe
  • Work for government and universities

Duties

Physicists:

  • Design and carry out research in experimental and theoretical physics
  • Carry out analysis of research data and prepare research reports
  • Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and creation of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures

May specialize in fields such as:

  • Aeronomy and space
  • Acoustics
  • Atomic and molecular physics
  • Biophysics
  • Condensed matter or solid state physics
  • Electromagnetic
  • Fluids and aerodynamics
  • Health physics
  • Medical physics
  • Metrology
  • Particle physics
  • Optics and laser physics
  • Nuclear physics
  • Plasma physics

Astronomers:

  • Design and carry out observational surveys, detailed analyses and numerical models to gain knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
  • Create or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$108,931

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$75.29/hr
Median$52.23/hr
Low$29.77/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2022 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

400

% Employed Full Time

57%
Source: 2016 Census

Work in this occupation is typically performed in a structured environment, such as an office or a university. Work may also be conducted either outdoors or in observatories.

Hazards exist as a part of carrying out various job duties within these occupations. For example, exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and radioactive substances, or non-ionizing radiation, such as radio frequencies and infrared, ultraviolet or visible light, may affect health adversely. Use of safety precautions and procedures minimize these risks.

Career Pathways

Physicists may work closely with and perform some of the duties of engineers. Also, mobility between specializations within physics, within astronomy and other fields of science, such as meteorology and geophysics, is possible with experience. Progression to management positions is possible with experience.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Investigative
Investigative

Job Titles

Aerodynamicist / aerophysicist
Astronomer / radio astronomer
Astrophysicist / cosmologist
Biophysicist / medical engineering
Metrologist
Physicist, acoustics
Physicist, atmospheric
Physicist, chemical
Physicist, cryogenics / crystal
Physicist, electricity / electronics
Physicist, experimental
Physicist, laser
Physicist, magnetism
Physicist, mathematical / molecular
Physicist, mechanics
Physicist, medical
Physicist, microwave
Physicist, nanotechnology
Physicist, nuclear
Physicist, optics
Physicist, plasma
Physicist, solid-state
Physicist, space
Physicist, thermal
Physicist, x-ray / cosmic ray / radiation
Rheologist
Scientist, research - aerospace
Scientist, research - electronics
Theorist, elementary particle

Education, Training and Skills

  • Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline.
  • Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Astronomy
  • Physics Related
EducationPlannerBC Logo
Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

81%
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

78%
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

77%
Numeracy

Using mathematics to solve problems.

77%
Speaking

Talking to others to share information effectively.

74%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

72%
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

71%
Complex Problem Solving

Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.

70%
Active Learning

Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.

67%
Judgment and Decision-Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

66%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

400
Source: 2016 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of Cariboo region Map of Kootenay region Map of Mainland/Southwest region Map of North Coast and Nechako region Map of Northeast region Map of Thompson-Okanagan region Map of Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
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Region Employment (2022) % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo N/A 2.5%
Kootenay N/A 0.0%
Mainland/Southwest 350 72.8%
North Coast and Nechako N/A N/A
Northeast N/A 0.0%
Thompson-Okanagan N/A 2.5%
Vancouver Island/Coast 90 23.5%
Source: 2016 Census and B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2022-2032)

160
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2022-2032)

Map of BC Map of Cariboo region Map of Kootenay region Map of Mainland/Southwest region Map of North Coast and Nechako region Map of Northeast region Map of Thompson-Okanagan region Map of Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
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Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo N/A N/A
Kootenay N/A N/A
Mainland/Southwest 120 1.6%
North Coast and Nechako N/A N/A
Northeast N/A N/A
Thompson-Okanagan N/A N/A
Vancouver Island/Coast 0 1.1%
N/A: Data is not available for this region.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2022-2032)
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services148,000
Educational Services64,500
Health Care and Social Assistance149,700
Public Administration49,200
Manufacturing49,200
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: 2016 Census and B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Resources

Resource information is currently not available.