21100 – Physicists and astronomers
TEER 1Occupations usually requiring a university degree
Lead statement
Physicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of natural phenomena and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine and health.
Main duties
- Design and conduct research in experimental and theoretical physics
- Carry out analysis of research data and prepare research reports
- Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures.
- Design and conduct observational surveys, conduct detailed analyses and develop numerical models to extend knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
- Develop or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
Employment requirements
- Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline.
- Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.
Example job titles
particle accelerator physicist · chemical physicist · particle physicist · experimental physicist · health physicist · physicist · thermal physicist · laser physicist · aerophysicist · astronomer · cosmologist · radio astronomer
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $34.95 | $56.49 | $96.15 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.32 | $47.47 | $72.39 |
| Quebec | $33.92 | $50.28 | $77.30 |
| Ontario | $37.03 | $60.08 | $92.98 |
| Manitoba | $35.02 | $64.71 | $96.38 |
| Saskatchewan | $37.09 | $65.83 | $85.31 |
| Alberta | $32.55 | $57.20 | $84.81 |
| British Columbia | $34.29 | $52.43 | $78.80 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.