Is a PhD required for applied physics in non-academic settings?

[Mathnomalous]

Would a PhD be required to work as an applied physicist in non-academic settings? Or are there a good number of locations, positions, etc. where a person with a least a BS in applied physics may be employed to directly apply her/his knowledge of applied physics?

 

[fasterthanjoao]

In an industry setting, generally, no. A PhD is not required. Many industry positions like to do their training on the job, so will have training programmes set up for new employees (or graduate training programmes).

 

[Mathnomalous]

That's great! I may not have to spend additional years in college; I may stop at a master's in an applied field, no? Of course, I would keep my knowledge up-to-date.

In what kind of situation would a non-academic employer require a PhD?

 

[fasterthanjoao]

Of course, I would keep my knowledge up-to-date.

In what kind of situation would a non-academic employer require a PhD?

If you're working in a graduate job in the field, you probably won't really have to worry about keeping your knowledge 'up to date' on your own - that will be part of your job! and be something that happens just because you're doing it every day.

There are some specialist research positions or consultancy roles that may require PhDs in industry: but generally industry roles are all about the experience. Someone who has been working in their field for 5 years is much more valuable than someone that has a mildly related PhD. I've only rarely seen industry jobs asking specifically for candidates with a PhD.