21100 - Physicists and Astronomers
Broad Occupation Category
2 - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations.
TEER
1 - Occupations usually require a university degree.
Major Group
21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences.
Sub-major Group
211 - Professional occupations in natural sciences.
Minor Group
2110 - Physical science professionals.
Main Duties
Physicists and Astronomers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Design and conduct experimental and theoretical research
- Analyze research data and prepare scientific reports
- Develop industrial, medical, or laboratory instrumentation
- Collaborate on multidisciplinary research and development teams
- Conduct celestial surveys and observational studies
- Build numerical models of cosmic systems
- Develop instrumentation and software for telescopes
- Analyze cosmic radiation and astrophysical data
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and benefits associated with this occupation in Canada:
- A master's or doctoral degree in physics or engineering physics is usually required.
- A master's or doctoral degree in astronomy is usually required for astronomer roles.
- Extensive research or laboratory experience is typically required.
- Publication history or project-leadership experience may be considered an asset.
- Many employers offer pension plans, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, paid leave, and employer contributions to pension and employment insurance programs.
Physicists and Astronomers Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)35.90
Median ($/hour)50.00
High ($/hour)69.78
Community/AreaAlberta
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)29.77
Median ($/hour)52.23
High ($/hour)75.29
Community/AreaManitoba
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaNew Brunswick
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaNewfoundland and Labrador
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaNorthwest Territories
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaNova Scotia
Low ($/hour)25.43
Median ($/hour)41.40
High ($/hour)61.67
Community/AreaNunavut
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)35.90
Median ($/hour)50.00
High ($/hour)69.78
Community/AreaPrince Edward Island
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaQuebec
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaSaskatchewan
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaYukon Territory
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
