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Career Profile

Physical Scientists

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS

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$67,000

Starting Salary (2025)

$122,570

Median Salary (2025)

0.6%

Projected Job Growth

22,300

Employment (2025)

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Achievement/Effort

Persistence

Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Reading Comprehension

Critical Thinking

Science

Active Listening

Writing

Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Common Activities

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.