Physicsat Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graduates earn $54,773/yr in their first year — about 18.0% above the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,218K; scenarios range from $1,009K to $1,320K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at MIT
An MIT Physics degree is a powerful credential, unlocking opportunities far beyond traditional research labs. Your rigorous training in quantitative analysis and complex problem-solving is highly prized across the tech, finance, and consulting sectors, particularly within the robust Greater Boston ecosystem. Many graduates pivot into roles at leading firms like Google, major investment banks, or specialized engineering companies, valuing your unique analytical mindset. While pure physics research remains an option, many find themselves applying their skills in areas like data science, AI development, or advanced engineering. The "Very High" AI risk signals that core analytical tasks may evolve, making your ability to adapt, integrate new tools, and lead interdisciplinary projects crucial. Therefore, actively seek out internships and coursework that bridge physics with computational methods or other applied fields to broaden your career horizons.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to MIT's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Physics
How MIT stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at MIT
Other highest-scoring programs offered at MIT, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at MIT
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
A score of 60/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Physics field.
Will AI replace Physics careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $1,009,463 in decade earnings vs $1,319,606 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Physics program stand out?
Ranked #18 of 75 programs nationally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology a hidden gem for Physics?
After financial aid, the average student pays $79,252 over four years — 67% below the $240,624 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.