Explore QISE Careers
What does it mean to work in quantum information science and engineering?
Majoring in a STEM area, like physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and chemistry can set you on a path to a career in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE). The field is active and growing. We need lots of people with different backgrounds for discovery, design, and innovation. On this page, we share information about the different places QISE professionals work. You can also explore the many different types of quantum-related jobs.
Where do quantum professionals work?
Higher Education
Working in higher education means you work at a college or university. People who work in higher education focus on teaching, doing scientific research, and supporting or mentoring students.
Examples: postsecondary educators (professors), researchers, and lab managers
Government
A government job means that you work for a federal agency (like the National Science Foundation, which funds research) or a national lab (like Oak Ridge National Lab, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, or NIST, where scientists do research).
Examples: researchers, program managers, and policymakers
Industry
An industry job means that you work for a company that is developing quantum information science products. People who work in industry focus on researching and developing new products for customers to use.
Examples: engineers, software developers, scientists, managers
K-12 and Museums
Working in K-12 education or museums involves teaching about quantum information science and engineering. This could mean teaching in a classroom, developing new curricula, creating exhibits at museums, or communicating new quantum research with the public.
Examples: K-12 educators, informal educators, science communicators
Engineers & Scientists
Continue exploring quantum information science careers by learning about the many types of jobs available. Click on each job below to learn more!
Physicist
Physicists study the science that shapes our universe. Experimental physicists work in labs to research and build new quantum systems. Theoretical physicists create new models to understand and control the properties of quantum systems. Quantum mechanics has been around for over 100 years, yet physicists continue to learn new things all the time!
Physicist
Median Annual Salary:
$166,290
Entry-level education (for academia):
Bachelor’s degree
Computer Scientist
Computer scientists play a big role in quantum computing and networking. They use computational thinking to develop software, design algorithms, and even create new ways to code on a quantum computer. Quantum computing is still new, but computer scientists are helping lead the way!
Computer Scientist
Median Annual Salary:
$140,910
Entry-level education:
Master’s degree
Mathematician
Mathematicians use logic, numbers, and patterns to understand quantum systems. They develop and research mathematical models and theories that help researchers better understand quantum systems. Many mathematicians work on cryptography, entanglement theory, and information science problems that are important for quantum computing.
Mathematician
Median Annual Salary:
$104,350
Entry-level education:
Master’s degree
Systems Engineer
Systems engineers help design, build, and maintain complex systems. They collaborate with other scientists to plan and try out new ways to build quantum systems. They also figure out how to connect quantum systems to other types of technology.
Systems Engineer
Median Annual Salary:
$155,020*
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
Cryogenic Engineer
Cryogenic engineers make quantum widgets “cool.” They design and build systems that can keep things at ultralow temperatures, where quantum behavior is strongest. For example, some quantum computers must live inside a special fridge in order to work.
Cryogenic Engineer
Median Annual Salary:
$102,320*
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
Optical Engineer
Optical engineers work with photons (individual particles of light) to understand how light and matter interact. They design and use lenses, lasers, beam splitters, and other optical tools to create quantum systems. Optical engineers help build every kind of quantum technology because light is key to faster, stable communication!
Optical Engineer
Median Annual Salary:
$118,780*
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
Materials Scientist
Materials scientists draw on knowledge from chemistry, physics, and engineering to study and make new materials. They focus on how materials can be used to improve quantum computing and quantum sensing. For example, materials scientists are finding out which materials work best across a wide range of temperatures.
Materials Scientist
Median Annual Salary:
$104,160
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree
Computer Architect
Computer architects create the blueprint for what goes on inside a quantum computer. They design quantum systems so that all the pieces work together. They also solve puzzles and think about how different tasks are organized. Ultimately, they are like a conductor who determines how information moves through a quantum computer!
Computer Architect
Median Annual Salary:
$130,390*
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
Algorithm Researcher
Algorithm researchers are like detectives. They find ways quantum computers and networks can solve complex problems. Instead of doing experiments in a lab, they use math and “clues” from the quantum world to understand how quantum computers can be better than classical computers.
Algorithm Researcher
Median Annual Salary:
$140,910*
Entry-level education:
Master’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
Chemist
Chemists study matter, which is made up of atoms, molecules, and electrons. They collaborate with other researchers to find the best ways to build and use quantum systems. For example, they test new types of quantum bits (qubits). Chemists also explore how quantum computers can help us better understand chemical reactions.
Chemist
Median Annual Salary:
$86,620
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers help researchers “talk” to quantum devices. They design circuits for sending and reading messages in the form of electrical pulses or microwaves. This is essential for connecting the quantum world to real users.
Electrical Engineer
Median Annual Salary:
$118,780
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree
Software Engineer
Software engineers make it possible for us to use computers! They develop and test operating systems and applications for quantum computers. They work with other scientists and engineers to figure out how quantum computers can be accessible to more people.
Software Engineer
Median Annual Salary:
$131,450
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree
Technicians
Technician
Technicians know how to build, run, and fix the equipment used in quantum research. They work with specialized tools, usually in a lab (including lasers, vacuum systems, and dilution refrigerators). They also collaborate with engineers and scientists to design and manufacture new quantum information science equipment.
Technician
Median Annual Salary:
$68,730-77,180*
Entry-level education:
Associate’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
You don’t need a PhD for a QISE career! Most technicians earn an associate degree before starting their career. As the demand for technicians grows, more community colleges are offering QISE programs.
You can grow your career as a QISE technician! You might start as a Technician, become a Senior Technician, and later move into a Lead Technician role. You can also try different areas (like moving from an optics technician role to an electronics technician role) to gain new skills. Learn more about possible technician career pathways here.
Technician salaries can vary widely depending on the role, location, and experience needed. For example, a Senior R&D Technician can earn $60,000-90,000 per year.
As QISE companies and research labs have grown, they’ve realized that having all Ph.D.s in the lab isn’t practical. Technicians are now essential! They keep systems running, maintain lab operations, and help make large-scale projects possible.
Jobs Outside of the Lab
Science Policymaker
Science policymakers focus on how laws and policies can affect science, technology, and society. They can work in many different places, like government or non-profits. For example, they help write new laws about science funding. Policymakers are important in every field, and need to know about new areas like quantum information science.
Science Policymaker
Median Annual Salary:
$139,380*
Entry-level education:
Master’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
Program Manager
Program managers work at places that fund science and education, such as the US government or private foundations. They help create programs that support students, scientists and engineers, and research. Program managers come from different backgrounds, including science, engineering, education, and policy.
Program Manager
Median Annual Salary:
$170,000*
Entry-level education:
Ph.D.*
*Data from National Science Foundation.
Science Communicator
Science communicators help people understand science. They talk about science research in many ways, such as through podcasts, news articles, or YouTube videos. Their goal is to make science, including quantum information, easier for everyone to understand.
Science Communicator
Median Annual Salary:
$91,670*
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
K-12 Educator
K-12 educators teach elementary, middle, and high school students. They teach students about many different types of science. Recently, they have been finding ways to introduce quantum information science topics. K-12 educators are inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
K-12 Educator
Median Annual Salary:
$64,580
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree
Postsecondary
Educator
Postsecondary educators teach community college, undergraduate, and graduate students. Some postsecondary educators have created new classes all about quantum information science! Outside of teaching, they might also work on research, write grants, attend conferences, and mentor students.
Postsecondary Educator
Median Annual Salary:
$83,980
Entry-level education:
Master’s degree (to teach at a community college)
Ph.D. (to teach at a 4-year college)
Informal Educator
Informal educators teach science outside of a classroom. They work at many different places, like museums, planetariums, libraries, and summer camps. They create new ways to make quantum information exciting and fun for learners of all ages.
Informal Educator
Median Annual Salary:
$57,100*
Entry-level education:
Bachelor’s degree*
*Similar field; exact data unavailable.
Note: Salary and entry-level education information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook unless otherwise noted.
Ready to explore more quantum career options?
Click on each of the resources below to continue exploring QISE careers.
QISE Career Exploration
This tool will walk you through a short survey about your interests and values and will match you with relevant profiles of quantum scientists. This tool was developed by the American Physical Society.
Meet QISE Professionals
Visit the video library to meet more quantum professionals. You will learn more about how each scientist prepared to be a part of the quantum workforce and what they do each day.
Explore Pathways to QISE Careers
Visit the career pathways page to learn more about what skills you might need, what you should study, and where you can attend school for a QIS career.