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Theoretical Physicist

Theoretical physicists use maths to work out how the world works - from tiny invisible particles to whole galaxies. Their ideas help other scientists run experiments and lead to new technology.

Theoretical Physicist

28

Physical Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO28%moving to73%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£35,000 - £40,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI can already do some of this job, but 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

Is this the only route?

This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.

0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£85,950Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Theoretical PhysicistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in research projects, conduct literature reviews, and support senior physicists in developing theoretical models.£35,000 - £40,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Theoretical PhysicistAt this stage, you will lead smaller research projects, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and begin publishing your own research.£50,000 - £60,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Theoretical PhysicistIn a senior role, you will oversee major research initiatives, mentor junior physicists, and significantly contribute to the scientific community through publications and presentations.£80,000+

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.

Doctorate in Physics, GeneralUniversity of Virginia-Main Campus · DoctorateMáster Universitario en Astrofísica (Universidad de La Laguna)Universidad de León · MásterBachelor's degree in Chemistry, GeneralUniversity of Missouri-Kansas City · BachelorMaster's degree in Chemistry, GeneralMichigan State University · MasterForensic Science (with a foundation year)Ashton Sixth Form College · DegreeAssociate's degree in Geology/Earth Science, GeneralFresno City College · Associate
Careermash

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AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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