Physics careers: what can you do with a physics degree?
Why should I consider studying physics?
Are you fascinated by the workings of the world around us? Studying physics will allow you to investigate and understand the behaviours of the universe. You will explore matter, energy, space, quantum physics, technology and more.
Even if you’re not sure what career you want to pursue, this diverse area of science could be the right choice for you. Physics graduates are armed with exceptional problem-solving skills, transferable to jobs in a range of roles and industries.
Read more about studying physics.
What physics job opportunities are there?
Just because you study physics, doesn’t mean you have to become a physicist. A physics degree can open doors to careers in the public and private sectors, education and research.
"Science is a rational and deductive logic framework aimed at understanding the way the universe works, which has always been a fascination of mine. I considered physics, and more specifically the physics of fundamental particles, to be the key area at the forefront of this understanding
Since finishing my PhD, I’ve been working at PwC’s Analytics Intelligence team, where I have the opportunity to apply the skills I’ve learn with our government, not-for-profit, and corporate clients."
Dr Cameron Cuthbert
Senior Manager, PwC
Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) ’10, Doctor of Philosophy (Science) ‘14
Take a look at some example industries, organisations and roles you could enter. Some specialised roles may require further training on top of a bachelor’s degree.
| Industries | Companies | Roles |
| - Finance - Business - Education - Media and communications - Not for profit - Healthcare - Government - Technology - Engineering - Radio and TV |
- Australian Space Agency - Bureau of Meteorology - Science and Technology Australia - Questacon - CSIRO - Australian Bureau of Statistics - Accenture - NASA |
- Astrophysicist - Entrepreneur - Journalist - Policy advisor - Nanotechnologist - Materials scientists - Teacher - Software engineer - Data scientist - Medical physicist - Astronomer |
How much can I earn with a physics degree?
PayScale reports that Bachelor of Science graduates who specialise in physics earn an average annual salary of $98,906 in Australia. This comes in above the average salary of all bachelor’s degree graduates, which is $76,669.*
As career opportunities span a range of roles and industries, salary trends depend on the area you decide to work. Click through the gallery to see some example salaries for jobs that physics graduates enter.
How can I study physics?
Undergraduate courses
Study physics as part of our Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies:
Postgraduate courses
Pursue a specialised postgraduate degree in medical physics to become a clinical medical physicist:
Postgraduate research
Follow your interest in physics by undertaking a research degree in a chosen area like astronomy, nanoscience, data science, quantum physics and more:
*Salaries taken from PayScale in September 2020 based on Australian salary data.