We have seen that physics PhD recipients follow a variety of paths upon completing their degree. Those who accept potentially permanent positions in the private sector typically report higher starting salaries. Among postdocs, those working at government labs typically report higher starting salaries than those working at universities and UARI (University Affiliated Research Institutes). It is possible that some of the difference there owes to 9/10-month contracts vs. 11/12-month contracts.

In May, we will look at where these physics PhD recipients hope to be working in 10 years.

Susan White is the Interim Director of the Statistical Research Center (SRC) at the American Institute of Physics. She can be reached at swhite@aip.org.

All the reports from the SRC are available at www.aip.org/statistics.

AAPT members receive access to The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.