Physical Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary: Median Pay of $98,450 in 2024
Postsecondary physical sciences teachers earn a median annual salary of $98,450, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $47 per hour. The top 10% of earners bring in over $176,190, while the bottom 10% make $58,810 or less. This occupation covers professors teaching physics, chemistry, astronomy, and related subjects at colleges and universities.
How much Physical Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median salary for physical sciences teachers at the postsecondary level is $98,450 per year. The mean salary across all positions is slightly higher at $108,800. Pay is often tied to academic rank, institution type, and years of experience.
The typical range runs from $58,810 for entry-level instructors to $176,190 for senior tenured faculty. Full professors at research universities tend to land at the high end; adjuncts and community college faculty are more likely near the 10th percentile.
- Median: $98,450
- Mean: $108,800
- 10th percentile: $58,810
- 90th percentile: $176,190
Pay by state
BLS data does not provide specific highest- and lowest-paying states for this occupation. However, salaries tend to be highest in states with major research universities and a high cost of living, such as California, Massachusetts, and New York. Lower pay is typical in the South and rural areas, where community colleges and smaller state schools dominate.
How to become Physical Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
The standard path is a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a physical science discipline like physics, chemistry, or geology. A master's degree may suffice for community colleges or adjunct positions, but tenure-track roles at four-year institutions almost always require a Ph.D.
After earning a doctorate, new professors typically complete one or two postdoctoral research fellowships (lasting 2–3 years each) before landing a tenure-track assistant professor role. Teaching experience during grad school, as a TA, is helpful. No state license is required, but public universities may require background checks.
- 1. Earn a bachelor's degree in a physical science (e.g., physics, chemistry, geology).
- 2. Complete a Ph.D. in the discipline (5–7 years).
- 3. Gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant.
- 4. Complete a postdoc (optional but common for research universities).
- 5. Apply for assistant professor positions; earn tenure within 6–7 years.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide a projected growth rate for this occupation for 2024–2034. However, employment is currently at 49,660 positions. Growth will depend on college enrollments, which have been flat or declining in some regions, but physical sciences faculty may see steady demand due to retirements and research funding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a physical sciences professor?
Entry-level salaries (10th percentile) are about $58,810 per year, often for adjuncts or instructors at community colleges. Assistant professors at four-year universities typically start higher, in the $70,000–$90,000 range.
Do physical sciences professors make more than other college professors?
Yes, on average. The median for all postsecondary teachers is around $80,000, while physical sciences teachers earn $98,450 — largely because they often hold Ph.D.s and work at research universities with higher pay scales.
How long does it take to become a professor of physical sciences?
After a bachelor's degree, expect 5–7 years for a Ph.D., plus an optional 1–3 years of postdoc research. So from start to first faculty job: about 8–12 years total.
Is it hard to get a job as a physical sciences professor?
Yes, it is competitive. Each tenure-track position can attract hundreds of applicants. A strong publication record, teaching experience, and research funding improve chances.
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 Physical Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary data.