Entry Level Salary
$43,446
Median Salary
$123,525
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
14.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,941,000
Entry (Early)
$43,446
Median (Prime)
$123,525
High (Prime)
$139,340
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-64k
+596k
+722k
$25k / yr
-154k
+506k
+632k
$50k / yr
-244k
+416k
+542k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
24
24
$25k / yr
Never
27
26
$50k / yr
Never
30
28
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-141%
465%
581%
$50k / yr
-112%
191%
249%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate63.3%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Postsecondary teachers
9.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,208
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,444|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Software developers
9.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$87,891
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,604|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Physical scientists, all other
6.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,550
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Management occupations
4.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,100
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$169,848|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Engineers, All Other
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$77,203
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,028|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Astronomers and physicists
2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,708
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$127,442|$166,880
openings
1,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%
Secondary school teachers
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$53,592
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$71,831|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Mathematical science occupations
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$87,447
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$125,000|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%
Teaching assistants
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$30,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$28,940|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Top executives
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,155
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$214,368|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| engineering physics. | Bachelor's Degree | 82 | $80,086 - $102,211 |
| engineering physics. | Master's Degree | 12 | $118,632 - $118,632 |
| engineering physics. | Doctoral Degree | 6 | Data N/A |
| physics. | Undergrad Certificate | 5 | $80,759 - $80,759 |
| physics. | Associate's Degree | 74 | $73,770 - $81,864 |
| physics. | Bachelor's Degree | 683 | $42,790 - $131,487 |
| physics. | Master's Degree | 192 | $68,529 - $150,865 |
| physics. | Doctoral Degree | 166 | $125,995 - $178,137 |