What Does It Take to Start a Career in Theoretical Physics?

[justpassinby]

First of all, I know it's a big field. But, currently, I don't know where exactly I would like working in it so I'm just asking like the most generalized explanation. I would probably prefer more in the theoretical part of the field (which might just be all of it [emoji23] ). A few major questions I have are:
1. Who even hires me? The government? An university?
2. Would I need a bachelor's degree or master's degree? In Physics or Astronomy (or a mix of both)?
3. Does it matter whether I go to an esteemed university? Well, of course it matters, but is it kind of mandatory? Like they just throw away your resume if you haven't gone to at least a top 50-75 in the world?
4. How tough is a major in theoretical physics? I've heard people say that you need to be top 3 in a class of 150 for the employers to notice you? Is this true?

Thanks in advance for responding. [emoji1]

 

[Choppy]

This is probably the best place to start in looking for answers for your questions:
So You Want to be a Physicist

People around here can answer more specific questions once you've gone through that. It might also help if you could describe a little more about what you envision a "scientist in Quantum Physics" doing. Many physicists apply quantum mechanics in their work and in different branches, or sub-fields of physics.