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Astrophysicist, Diagnostic Imaging Physicist, Medical Physicist, Physical Scientist, Plasma Physicist, Nuclear Medicine Physicist, Radiation Physicist, Research Scientist, Theoretical Physicist, Therapy Physicist, Thermal Physicist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In general, physicists try to understand basic processes in nature and the universe. They also:
Many physicists specialize in areas such as:
Physicists may study any of these areas by:
Physicists work with scientists in other fields, such as engineering, biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and computer science. They often combine physics with these sciences.
Physicists generally work in laboratories, classrooms, or offices. They also may work outdoors. Travel may be required, especially for those who work with large labs.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to carry out analyses of research data in order to formulate and substantiate new theories, concepts and laws related to the properties and interactions of matter and energy; and in developing new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generations and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, and medicine and health
Interest in precision working with scientific instruments to conduct experiments; and in designing and developing instruments and procedures
Interest in supervising technologists and technicians; and in participating as members of research and development teams
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Physicists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 02, 2021 and Oct 11, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 9 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 9 |
| Tasks: Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 8 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 8 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 8 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 7 |
| Art or Fashion Design Experience: Medical and health physics | 7 |
| Work Setting: Hospital/medical facility or clinic | 7 |
Most physicists begin their post-secondary education with a 4-year bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree in physics. They then earn a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree in physics or a subdiscipline. In general, physicists who wish to do original research need a PhD and 1 to 5 years of post-doctoral research in a university or government laboratory. In medical physics, they need 1 to 2 years of post-degree clinical (residency) training.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required but may be an asset when seeking employment.
Available certifications include:
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Physicists may work on a salaried or contract basis for:
Employment opportunities vary depending on whether physicists have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Individuals with a B.Sc. or M.Sc. in physics may find work in design and development, administration, or sales positions. Teaching positions may require further education. For more information, see the Secondary School Teacher and College, Technical or Vocational Instructor occupational profiles.
PhD physicists are more likely to be involved in basic or applied research, teaching at the university level, or administration. For more information, see the University Professor occupational profile.
Opportunities to advance vary depending on the place and type of work. Physicists involved in research and development may plan and conduct studies, supervise projects, direct research laboratories, or manage research departments. Some physicists eventually move into purely administrative or management positions. Physicists working in the public sector may also lead technology transfer programs and provide advice in reports, contracts, or agreements.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Physicists and astronomers
2016 NOC: 2111
77.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary widely depending on the position’s requirements and the individual’s qualifications.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $36.25 | $62.72 | $41.86 | $39.45 |
| Overall | $49.52 | $69.74 | $64.69 | $67.87 |
| Top | $52.12 | $92.48 | $78.71 | $77.10 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $116,852 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $120,728 |
| Public Administration | $108,792 |
Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) website careers section: www.cap.ca/programs/careers-and-employment/physics-careers/employment-opportunities/
American Institute of Physics (AIP) website: www.aip.org/career-resources
Association of Medical Physicists in Alberta (AMPA): www.abmedphys.com
Society of Physics Students (U.S.) website “Careers Using Physics (CUP)” section: www.spsnational.org/cup
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
