My father was a physicist. He did have to get a higher degree as @xraymancs points out. Once he had his PhD he did quite well for himself and eventually became a senior scientist for a major aerospace company. (Some of those satellites out there are thanks to him and his crew.) Our family was quite comfortable and he didn’t have to keep doctor’s hours. He had a regular 9-5 jobs with a lot of perks. Physics is a good way to go.