21100

Physicists and astronomers

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

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Definition

Physicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of natural phenomena and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine and health. They are employed by electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies, telecommunications companies, power utilities, university and government research laboratories, hospitals and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, and research and consulting firms. Astronomers conduct observational and theoretical research to extend knowledge of the universe. They are employed by government and universities.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Physicists
Design and conduct research in experimental and theoretical physics
Carry out analysis of research data and prepare research reports
Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures.
Physicists may specialize in fields such as aeronomy and space, acoustics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter or solid state physics, electromagnetics, fluids and aerodynamics, health physics, medical physics, metrology, particle physics, optics and laser physics, nuclear physics and plasma physics.
Astronomers
Design and conduct observational surveys, conduct detailed analyses and develop numerical models to extend knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
Develop or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
Astronomers may specialize in fields such as astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.

Example job titles

•acoustics physicist
•aerodynamicist
•aerospace research scientist
•astronomer
•astrophysicist
•atmospheric physicist
•biophysicist
•cosmologist

Overview

NOC 21100 (Physicists and astronomers) is classified as a TEER 1 occupation under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system. Professionals in this group conduct theoretical and applied research to extend scientific knowledge in physics and astronomy, or apply physical principles to practical industrial, medical, and technological challenges. They are typically employed by universities, government research laboratories, hospitals, and private sector research and development firms. A master's or doctoral degree in physics, astrophysics, or a closely related discipline is standard for employment in these roles.

As highly skilled professionals, individuals qualifying under NOC 21100 are eligible for federal immigration streams managed through Canada's Express Entry system, notably the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). They may also find opportunities through various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that target skilled scientific talent. Because this occupation falls under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) category, eligible candidates may also benefit from targeted category-based Express Entry draws prioritized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Typical duties for this code include designing and conducting experimental and theoretical research, analyzing scientific data, publishing papers, and developing specialized industrial or scientific technologies. Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official, up-to-date program guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.