Physicists vs engineers: what’s the difference?

A common misconception about physicists and engineers is that they are one and the same, a fallacy certain to annoy anybody who works in these professions. While the difference is subtle, it is important to not confuse the two. Simply put, a physicist studies the way the universe works, while an engineer applies the information gathered from these studies to solve problems and improve life for others.  

Physicists

Through research, experiments, and knowledge of existing laws and theories, physicists seek to discover the basic principles surrounding energy and matter and the way they interact. It isn’t enough for them to know that a phenomenon has occurred — they need to know why and how it happened. While physics has many subcategories that all share the same basic principles, physicists will usually specialize in just one subcategory. Tedious though the work may be, the discoveries can be life-changing. For example, astrophysicists use basic principles of physics to study stars, planets, and galaxies — their history, their nature, and their destiny. Through these studies, scientists aspire to discover more planets and galaxies, whether there is life on other planets, and even how the entire universe began.  

Famous physicists include Isaac Newton, for identifying the concept of gravity; Marie Curie, for her research in radioactivity and discovery of polonium and radium; Niels Bohr, who studied the atomic structure and contributed to quantum theory and nuclear reactions; Albert Einstein, for his theory of relativity; and Stephen Hawking, for his gravitational singularities theorem and explanation of black holes. All of these scientists studied different concepts that advanced our overall understanding of the world.  

Do you think you’d like to become a physicist? Be prepared for years of schooling. Courses in classical and quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism are typical for undergraduates, while graduate students are expected to take courses in math and computer science in addition to physics. While those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees may find work in applied research and development or in the federal government, a Ph.D. is required for most jobs. The median salary depends on which industry you choose to go into, but May 2014 statistics show an average median salary of $115,430.  

Engineers

Chris Randall, Aerospace Engineer for NASA. Image Source: NASA.  

Have you ever safely driven over a bridge? Flown in an airplane? Used a computer? Drunk clean water? For all of these things and countless other reasons, you should thank an engineer for impacting your life. While physicists learn about the world and how and why things work, an engineer takes those principles and uses them to design, build, and produce things we often take for granted. With a myriad of career options, an engineer can fit into just about any field — aerospace, agriculture, biochemistry, computer systems, industrial, robotics, wind energy, and a host of other branches.  

The list of famous engineers is also impressive and includes Alexander Graham Bell, who patented the first telephone; Nikola Tesla, who contributed to the development of the modern AC electricity supply system; Emily Roebling, who led the development of the Brooklyn Bridge; and Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of Apple.  

With all of these subdivisions, it makes sense that there are more than 40 different educational paths for those who aspire to become an engineer. While each has its own specialty coursework, all of the programs require courses in math, physics, chemistry, biology, and writing. Unlike physicists, a Ph.D. is not required for most engineering jobs. As with physicists, salary varies greatly, depending on your field of choice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of May 2014, the median annual salary for an agricultural engineer is $71,730; the median annual salary for a petroleum engineer is $130,050; while everyone else falls somewhere in between the two.  

How ARE they similar?

Whether you are a physicist or an engineer, it’s clear that you need to have a mind for learning complex mathematical and scientific concepts. Aside from being school-smart, it is equally as important to possess interpersonal skills to work well and effectively communicate with others. Finally, it is essential to maintain a curiosity and desire to learn for the field you are in. There is so much more to learn about the world and so much more to evolve. How much of that happens in our lifetime relies on the passion of these thinkers and creators.

Source: Sokanu, BLS