STEM Specialization

Physics

Physics graduates earn $76,786 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,777 and $102,948. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Physics

Physics is a focused area of study within Physical Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $76,786 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 955 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 13,306 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $46,367
Median Earnings · 4yr: $76,786
Colleges Offering: 955
Graduates / Year: 13,306
Avg Net Price / yr: $18,275

How Much Do Physics Graduates Earn?

Physics graduates earn $76,786 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,777 and $102,948. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $46,367 climbs to $76,786 by year four.

$46,367

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$76,786

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$78,216

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Physics graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$51,777 25th pct.

$76,786 Median

$102,948 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $76,786 against an estimated $73,100 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 793 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 13,306 students who complete Physics programs each year, the majority (58%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

58%

Bachelor's 58%

Master's 16%

Doctorate 15%

What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?

Physics connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Physicist leads at $172,250/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Physicist

$172,250

$112K $223K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,700 openings/yr 20K employed nationally

Science Mathematics Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +2.5% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Physics Teachers

$100,310

$74K $133K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,300 openings/yr 13K employed nationally

Instructing Science Speaking Reading Comprehension Learning Strategies

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

↘ -1.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Secondary School Teacher

$72,040

$60K $93K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 66,200 openings/yr 1.1M employed nationally

Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Learning Strategies Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.

Top Colleges for Physics

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Physics students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public	244	33%	$16,109	$74,915
2	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	203	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
3	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	173	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
4	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	171	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
5	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	167	11%	$13,481	$92,446
6	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public	149	78.1%	$25,346	$69,738
7	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	131	4.6%	$20,111	$143,372
8	University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	125	4.5%	$14,860	$91,885
9	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	118	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
10	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	118	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
11	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	114	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
12	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	112	9%	$12,548	$82,511
13	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	112	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
14	University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA · Public	112	28.6%	$14,251	$80,735
15	Stanford University Stanford, CA · Nonprofit	111	3.6%	$13,807	$124,080
16	University of Rochester Rochester, NY · Nonprofit	111	40.1%	$29,278	$79,042
17	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public	110	42.4%	$14,355	$81,054
18	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY · Public	110	49%	$18,784	$74,502
19	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	108	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
20	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	101	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253

View all colleges

Ranked by Physics graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Physics program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Physics degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Physics Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Physics shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $76,786 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $46,367 at graduation to $76,786 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 77,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 955 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Physics Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physics graduates earn?

Physics graduates earn a national median of $76,786 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,777 and $102,948. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Physics degree?

One year after graduation, Physics degree holders earn a median of $46,367. That climbs to $76,786 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Physics degree?

Physics degree holders pursue careers including Physicist, which pays a median of $172,250/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Physics program take?

A Physics bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Physics?

955 colleges and universities in the United States offer Physics programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Physics degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $76,786 and an average net price of roughly $18,275/yr, a Physics degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Physics and Physical Sciences?

Physics is a focused concentration within the broader Physical Sciences field. The Physical Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Physics-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Physics graduates?

Employers hiring Physics graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Physics graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Physics graduates?

The job outlook for Physics graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Physicist is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.