Becoming a physicist can be a rewarding career for those passionate about the subject, but it requires a significant commitment, typically taking around 6.5 years to earn a Ph.D. Salaries for physicists vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $20-30k, and experienced professionals earning up to $100k or more, depending on their role and location. Major employers include government labs, universities, and companies like NASA and 3M, with job prospects influenced by personal interest and market demand. Living in states like New York and California can provide a comfortable lifestyle for physicists, but financial success is not guaranteed without a strong passion for the field. Ultimately, pursuing physics should be driven by interest rather than solely by financial incentives.