Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $103,170 Median
Postsecondary teachers in atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences earn a median salary of $103,170 per year, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That’s about $50 an hour. The typical range runs from $59,700 at the 10th percentile to $203,190 at the 90th, meaning top earners can pull in over $200,000.
About 9,900 people hold this occupation nationwide. Most work at universities and colleges, teaching and researching weather patterns, ocean dynamics, geology, or space science. Employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations, generating roughly 1,000 job openings each year.
How much Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The national median salary for these teachers is $103,170. The mean income is $116,020, which works out to about $50 an hour. The bottom 10% earn less than $59,700, while the top 10% make over $203,190.
- Median: $103,170 per year
- Mean: $116,020 per year (~$50/hr)
- Typical range: $59,700 – $203,190
Pay by state
Salaries vary significantly by state. The highest-paying states are California ($133,230), New Jersey ($131,930), New Hampshire ($130,230), Oregon ($128,140), and Connecticut ($123,770). At the low end, teachers in Mississippi earn $77,670, in South Carolina $76,500, and in South Dakota just $63,160. Location clearly matters: a professor in California can make more than double the pay of one in South Dakota.
How to become Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
To land a tenure-track position at a university, you typically need a doctoral degree in a related field such as atmospheric science, oceanography, geology, or astronomy. Many postsecondary teachers also complete postdoctoral research or gain industry experience. At community colleges, a master’s degree may suffice. Key steps include:
- Earn a Ph.D. in a relevant earth or space science field.
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals to build your academic record.
- Gain teaching experience as a teaching assistant or instructor during grad school.
- Apply for postdoctoral fellowships or research positions to deepen expertise.
- Target open faculty positions at universities, colleges, and research institutes.
Job outlook
The BLS projects 2.6% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,000 new openings each year, mostly due to retirements and replacement needs. Demand for earth and space science teachers is tied to university enrollment and research funding. Fields like climate science and data-driven Earth observation may see stronger interest.
Frequently asked questions
What does an Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teacher, Postsecondary do?
They teach college courses in atmospheric science, oceanography, geology, astronomy, and related fields, and conduct research. Typical duties include preparing lectures, advising students, publishing scholarly papers, and applying for research grants.
How many years of education do you need?
Most positions require a doctoral degree, which takes about 4-6 years beyond a bachelor’s. Some community college jobs accept a master’s degree. Postdoctoral experience is common but not always required.
What is the job growth for this career?
The BLS projects 2.6% growth from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average. About 1,000 openings per year are expected, mainly from replacing retirees.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary data.