The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent. Those with a master's degree in physics may qualify for jobs in applied research and development for manufacturing and healthcare companies. Job seekers who only have a bachelor's degree in physics are often qualified to work as technicians and research assistants in related fields, such as engineering and computer science. In physics, astronomy or a related field it is necessary for research or academic work or for independent research positions in industry.
Those with a master's degree in physics may qualify for jobs in applied research and development for manufacturing and healthcare companies. Much research in physics and astronomy depends on federal funding, so federal budgets have a substantial impact on job prospects from year to year. Despite competition for traditional research work, prospects should be good for physicists in applied research, development and related technical fields.