The employment status of 1981-1982 degree recipients in physics and astronomy was surveyed. Information is presented on changes in occupational status of physics and astronomy degree recipients which occurred between the summer of 1982 and the following winter. The characteristics of graduates of both fields who were employed full-time or undertaking postdoctoral studies are compared in relation to sex, age, citizenship, type of research, and major subfields. Additionally, major subfields of physics dissertations and those of physicists' initial employment are compared. The length of postdoctoral fellowships for 1981-1982 degree recipients is considered in relation to citizenship, selected subfields, and postdoctoral plan. The characteristics of physics masters and bachelors that influence the time required to secure employment and data on employers of new doctoral physicists are provided. Finally, information on the employment of astronomy bachelors is included. Findings include the following: fewer doctoral physicists secured potentially permanent employment within a 2-month period; physics bachelors on the West Coast required less time to secure initial employment than those from other regions; and compared with the previous year, the proportion of graduates who accepted 1-year postdoctoral fellowships increased from 28 to 43 percent. (SW)