physics technician
Key facts
Are you fascinated by the principles of physics and enjoy hands-on work? As a physics technician, you'll play a vital role in supporting scientific research, product development, and educational initiatives by conducting experiments and analyzing data.
Physics technicians are essential members of teams in laboratories, schools, and production facilities. Your days will involve setting up and operating equipment, collecting and analyzing data from experiments, and assisting physicists with their research or technical projects. You’ll be responsible for ensuring equipment is properly maintained and calibrated, and for documenting your findings accurately and thoroughly. This role combines practical skills with an understanding of physical principles.
- • Setting up, operating, and maintaining scientific equipment such as spectrometers, oscilloscopes, and lasers.
- • Conducting experiments and tests according to established protocols and procedures.
- • Collecting, recording, and analyzing data using various software and statistical methods.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and 1 more.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could physics technician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Support?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Future Outlook for physics technician
The outlook for physics technician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could physics technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could physics technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- assist scientific research
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- analyse experimental laboratory data
- perform laboratory tests
Tasks most exposed to automation
- gather experimental data
- report analysis results
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Advanced Manufacturing
A typical day as a physics technician
09 09:00 · Morning analyse experimental laboratory data
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply safety procedures in laboratory
12 12:00 · Midday apply statistical analysis techniques
14 14:00 · Afternoon assist scientific research
15 15:30 · Late afternoon execute analytical mathematical calculations
17 17:00 · Wrap-up gather experimental data
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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quantum computing
The branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits.
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quantum mechanics
The field of research concerning the study of atoms and photons in order to quantize these particles.
- laboratory techniques
- physics
- scientific research methodology
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perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
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maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
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apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
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apply safety procedures in laboratory
Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
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gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
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analyse experimental laboratory data
Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
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use measurement instruments
Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does physics technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is typically required to become a physics technician?
- Most physics technician positions require an associate’s degree in physics, engineering technology, or a related field. Some employers may accept a certificate program or equivalent experience.
- What are some of the key skills needed to succeed as a physics technician?
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial, as is the ability to accurately collect and interpret data. You’ll also need proficiency in using scientific equipment and software, and excellent communication skills to effectively report your findings.
- What kind of work environment can I expect as a physics technician?
- Physics technicians typically work in laboratories, research facilities, or production environments. The work can be demanding and may require attention to detail and adherence to strict safety protocols. You’ll mostly work as an employee within a larger organization.
- Physics Technician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 10 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 5 reported a shortage and 5 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Physics Technician — what does it pay in the United States?
- $104,240 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $91,980 to $135,550. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.