Plasma Physicist
28AI EXPOSURE TODAY28
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST73%
NOT A FORECAST73%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £38,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
Skip to main content
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM PHYSICAL SCIENCES →
Plasma Physicist
Plasma physicists study plasma, a fourth state of matter (like a supercharged gas). They work in laboratories exploring how plasma behaves, which helps scientists develop new energy sources and understand space.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Plasma PhysicistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in laboratory experiments, collect data, and support senior researchers in their projects. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop your skills in plasma physics.£30,000 - £38,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Plasma PhysicistAt this stage, you will lead your own research projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to grant applications. Your expertise will be crucial in advancing the team's research objectives.£50,000 - £65,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Plasma Physicist/Research LeadIn a senior role, you will oversee major research initiatives, secure funding, and publish influential papers. You will be recognised as a leader in the field, shaping the direction of plasma physics research.£75,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Acoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Physical Sciences courses as cards →
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · DegreeAcoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · DegreePhysicsQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeChemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · DegreeChemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · DegreePhysicsUniversity of Aberdeen · Degree