Also called: String Theorist, Phenomenologist
Uses advanced math to predict new particles and forces, and to explain dark matter.
You spend days on calculations, reading new papers on the arXiv, and debating ideas with colleagues. When an experiment sees something odd, theorists race to explain it.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 11 years after high school. PhD in physics plus postdocs; very competitive.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Mathematics.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Growth figure is for physicists and astronomers combined.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI tools are getting good at long calculations; very few permanent jobs, and AI may shrink them further.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, Linear algebra dual-enroll.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.