Physicsat University of South Florida
Graduates earn $46,094/yr in their first year — about 1.0% below the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $741K; scenarios range from $653K to $775K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of South Florida
A University of South Florida physics degree equips you with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, highly valued across many sectors. The earnings figures you've seen reflect the diverse paths graduates take; while some pursue lucrative roles in research, data science, or engineering, others enter academia or secondary education, which can initially moderate average salaries. Your location in the thriving Tampa Bay area means opportunities might lean towards defense contractors, finance, or healthcare analytics, where your quantitative background is a significant asset.
Regarding AI risk, this isn't about job elimination, but transformation. Many analytical, modeling, and computational tasks common in physics can be significantly augmented by AI. This emphasizes the critical human role in experimental design, interpreting complex results, and developing novel theories. To maximize your potential and future-proof your career, actively seek opportunities to combine your core physics knowledge with advanced computational skills or interdisciplinary applications during your studies.
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 University of South Florida'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 University of South Florida stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of South Florida
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of South Florida, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at University of South Florida
What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of South Florida?
At 65/100, University of South Florida's Physics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at University of South Florida?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of South Florida one of the best schools for Physics?
Among 75 Physics programs, University of South Florida's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.