Condensed Matter and Materials Physics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Condensed matter and materials physics explores the fundamental behaviors and emergent properties of matter in its solid and liquid states, driven by interactions at the atomic and subatomic levels. This interdisciplinary field investigates how microscopic forces give rise to macroscopic physical characteristics, enabling breakthroughs in advanced materials and technologies.
- Low-temperature physics: Examines the unique quantum phenomena observed in materials at temperatures near absolute zero, including superconductivity and quantum phase transitions.
- Solid-state physics: Focuses on the electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties of crystalline and non-crystalline solids, forming the foundation for semiconductor and device physics.
- X-ray physics: Studies the interaction of X-rays with matter to probe atomic and electronic structures, essential for crystallography and materials characterization.
- Liquids and soft materials: Investigates the dynamic behavior of complex fluids and amorphous systems, including polymers, gels, colloids, and biological macromolecules.
- Advanced materials systems: Explores the physical principles behind semiconductors, metals, magnetic materials, superconductors, glasses, and superfluids, with applications in energy, computing, and nanotechnology.
- Emergent phenomena: Analyzes how collective interactions in large-scale systems lead to novel behaviors, such as those seen in neural networks and self-organizing materials.
Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Condensed Matter and Materials Physics degrees, including Physicists, Natural Sciences Managers and Physics Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 135,800 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physicists 19-2012 | $166,290 | $80,020 - $239,200 | 21,340 | $79.95 |
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1054 | $97,360 | $54,880 - $169,740 | 13,590 | N/A |
Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $81,030 in Louisiana to $171,063 in California—a 111% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 135,800 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Condensed Matter and Materials Physics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Condensed Matter and Materials Physics is found at Iowa State University (ISU) (5 graduates), and Michigan Technological University (MTU) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 8 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Condensed Matter and Materials Physics programs
How much can I earn with a Condensed Matter and Materials Physics degree?
Salaries for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics graduates vary by role and location. Physicists earn a median of $166,290 annually, while Natural Sciences Managers earn around $161,180. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $171,063 compared to $81,030 in Louisiana. Approximately 135,800 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Condensed Matter and Materials Physics programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Condensed Matter and Materials Physics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Iowa State University (ISU) (5 graduates), Michigan Technological University (MTU) (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Condensed Matter and Materials Physics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 9 in 2010 to a peak of 10 in 2020, before declining slightly to 8 in 2023-24. This represents a 11% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Condensed Matter and Materials Physics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Physicists, Natural Sciences Managers, and Physics Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 135,800 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Physical Sciences Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Physical Sciences field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Meteorology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change. Includes instruction in general circulation patterns,...
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Any instructional program in atmospheric sciences and meteorology not listed above.
Chemistry
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes...
Analytical Chemistry
A program that focuses on the scientific study of techniques for analyzing and describing matter, including its precise composition and the interrelationships of...
Organic Chemistry
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the properties and behavior of hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives. Includes instruction in molecular...
Physical Chemistry
A program that focuses on the scientific study of understanding and predicting the behavior of chemical systems ranging from nuclear particles to atoms,...