Physicists and astronomers
Occupation · NOC 2021 21100 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 21100
- TEER
- 1
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 93
- Median wage, Canada
- C$56.49 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 142
OC<CANPHYSICISTS<AND<ASTRONOMERS<<<<<<<<<<<< 211008<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<6
About this occupation
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.
Example job titles
- acoustics physicist
- aerodynamicist
- aerospace research scientist
- astronomer
- astrophysicist
- atmospheric physicist
- biophysicist
- cosmologist
- electronics research scientist
- experimental physicist
- health physicist
- medical physicist
- metrologist
- nuclear physicist
- optics physicist
- physics research scientist
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.
Employment requirements
- Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline.
- Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 3 |
- General Fusion Inc12
- Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc9
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd.3
- D-Wave Systems Inc.3
- Fuse Energy Technologies Inc.3
- Terrestrial Energy Inc.2
- Université McGill2
- Université Laval(Pavillon J-C-Bonenfant2
- PerkinElmer Health Sciences Canada Inc2
- Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited2
- SafengServices & technologies ltee2
- Photonic Inc.2
- Logiag inc.2
- Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics2
- Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue2
Work permits
Work permit holders by year the permit took effect, mapped from NOC 2016 where the code has a single NOC 2021 successor (IRCC).
| Year | TFWP permits | IMP permits |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 45 |
| 2025 | 0 | 35 |
| 2024 | 0 | 45 |
| 2023 | 0 | 75 |
| 2022 | 0 | 60 |
| 2021 | 0 | 45 |
| 2020 | 0 | 25 |
| 2019 | 0 | 75 |
| 2018 | 0 | 65 |
| 2017 | 0 | 85 |
| 2016 | 0 | 80 |
| 2015 | 0 | 150 |
All work permits by year
Data table
| 2015 | 150 |
| 2016 | 80 |
| 2017 | 85 |
| 2018 | 65 |
| 2019 | 75 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2022 | 60 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 45 |
Permanent residence
Admissions of permanent residents by intended occupation and Express Entry invitations by occupation (IRCC).
New permanent residents by year
Data table
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2025 | 5 |
- Canadian Experience Class270
- Federal Skilled Worker130
- Provincial Nominee Program10
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$34.95 | C$56.49 | C$96.15 |
| Alberta | C$32.55 | C$57.20 | C$84.81 |
| British Columbia | C$34.29 | C$52.43 | C$78.80 |
| Manitoba | C$35.02 | C$64.71 | C$96.38 |
| Nova Scotia | C$28.32 | C$47.47 | C$72.39 |
| Ontario | C$37.03 | C$60.08 | C$92.98 |
| Quebec | C$33.92 | C$50.28 | C$77.30 |
| Saskatchewan | C$37.09 | C$65.83 | C$85.31 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 142
- Vacancies advertised
- 183
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$53.00
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