Other Physical Science Professionals

(NOC 2115)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

This group includes metallurgists, soil scientists and physical scientists and researchers involved in the theoretical and applied research in fields of physical science. Metallurgists use research and its practical applications to understand the properties of metals and alloys. Soil scientists research the composition, distribution, and erosion of soils. Materials scientists research the properties, composition, and production of materials like ceramics and composite materials. Astronauts command, pilot or serve as crew members of a spacecraft to do scientific experiments and research and participate in space missions. They work for governments, educational institutions, and a wide range of industrial companies.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

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  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

This group includes metallurgists, soil scientists and physical scientists and researchers involved in the theoretical and applied research in fields of physical science. Metallurgists use research and its practical applications to understand the properties of metals and alloys. Soil scientists research the composition, distribution, and erosion of soils. Materials scientists research the properties, composition, and production of materials like ceramics and composite materials. Astronauts command, pilot or serve as crew members of a spacecraft to do scientific experiments and research and participate in space missions. They work for governments, educational institutions, and a wide range of industrial companies.

Job duties

The following is a summary of the main duties for some jobs in this group:

  • Metallurgists study the properties and production of metals and alloys.
  • Soil scientists research the composition, distribution, and evolution of soils.
  • Materials scientists research into properties, composition, and production of materials like ceramics and composite materials.
  • Astronauts command, pilot or serve as crew members of a spacecraft to do scientific experiments and research and participate in space missions as mission specialists to maintain spacecraft, install and repair space station equipment and launch and recapture satellites.

Sample job titles

  • astronaut
  • ballistician
  • cosmonaut
  • firearms expert
  • metallurgist
  • pedologist
  • soil scientist

Skills

  • The work of these individuals is detailed and precise, and often demands close concentration for long periods of time. Good judgement, initiative, and the ability to handle stressful situations are needed. You must be able to meet deadlines and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to supply information to users. Computer skills would be helpful.

Job requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related physical science discipline.
  • A master's or doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research scientist.
  • Advanced degrees in a broad range of applied science areas like engineering or medicine.
  • Licences may be required for some jobs in this group.

Other considerations

  • Movement to other fields of physical science or to management or regulatory program management is possible with experience. Soil scientists may work outdoors in the field or indoors in laboratories and offices. They generally work a standard work week, but often spend additional time reading to keep up to date. Private consultants may work very long hours. Travel may be required.

By the numbers

Quick look

< 50

employed in 2016

80.0%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

40.0%
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60%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

50.0%

Southern

N/A
50.0%

Halifax

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

60.0%

Public administration

40.0%

Manufacturing

What is the age of Employment?

60.0%

35-44

40.0%

65+

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

40.0%

College Diploma

N/A
40.0%

Master

N/A
40.0%

Doctorate

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Chemistry

College or University Program

These programs focus on the scientific study of the composition and behaviour of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.

Institutions providing this program

Acadia University

Wolfville, NS

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

University of King's College

Halifax, NS

Mount Saint Vincent University

Halifax, NS

St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

Geology/Earth Science

College or University Program

These programs focus on the scientific study of the earth; the forces acting upon it; and the behaviour of the solids, liquids and gases comprising it. They include courses in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, stratigraphy, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, geophysical principles, and applications to research and industrial problems.

Institutions providing this program

Acadia University

Wolfville, NS

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

University of King's College

Halifax, NS

St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Materials Science

College, Trades, or University Program

These programs focus on the general application of mathematical and scientific principles to the analysis and evaluation of the characteristics and behaviour of solids, including internal structure, chemical properties, transport and energy flow properties, thermodynamics of solids, stress and failure factors, chemical transformation states and processes, compound materials, and research on industrial applications of specific materials.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

Physics

College or University Program

These programs focus on the scientific study of matter and energy, and the formulation and testing of the laws governing the behaviour of the matter-energy continuum. They include courses in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, quantitative methods, and laboratory methods.

Institutions providing this program

Acadia University

Wolfville, NS

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

University of King's College

Halifax, NS

Mount Saint Vincent University

Halifax, NS

St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Canadian Society of Soil Science
Pinawa, MB
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
Westmount, QC

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.