Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $100,310 Median
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median annual salary of $100,310, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean salary is $111,460, which works out to roughly $48 per hour. The top 10% bring in over $177,850, while the bottom 10% earn around $60,200. This compensation reflects the advanced degree requirements and specialized knowledge needed to teach physics at the college or university level.
How much Physics Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The national median salary for postsecondary physics teachers is $100,310, with a mean of $111,460. The typical range spans from $60,200 at the 10th percentile to $177,850 at the 90th percentile. Pay varies significantly by institution type, tenure status, and geographic location.
These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, which surveys employers across the U.S. The data reflects full-time, permanent positions and does not include adjunct or part-time faculty, who typically earn less.
- Median: $100,310
- Mean: $111,460 ($48/hour)
- 10th percentile: $60,200
- 90th percentile: $177,850
- Total U.S. employment: 13,090
Pay by state
California leads the nation with an average salary of $139,420 for postsecondary physics teachers, likely due to high cost of living and concentration of prestigious universities. Connecticut ($112,410), Massachusetts ($111,280), Maryland ($110,980), and Michigan ($109,090) round out the top five.
At the lower end, Mississippi pays an average of $71,160, Arizona $65,730, and Arkansas $64,900. These differences reflect regional funding for higher education and local cost of living adjustments.
- Highest-paying: California $139,420, Connecticut $112,410, Massachusetts $111,280
- Lowest-paying: Mississippi $71,160, Arizona $65,730, Arkansas $64,900
How to become Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
The standard path requires a doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field. A master's degree may be sufficient for teaching at community colleges, but tenure-track positions at four-year institutions almost always require a Ph.D.
Typical steps include earning a bachelor's in physics, completing a Ph.D. program (5–7 years), gaining teaching experience as a graduate assistant or adjunct, and publishing research. Many universities also require a postdoctoral fellowship before considering faculty applications. No state license is needed, but a strong publication record is critical.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field.
- Complete a Ph.D. in physics (or master's for community college).
- Gain teaching experience through assistantships or adjunct roles.
- Build a research portfolio with publications and conference presentations.
- Apply for tenure-track positions; postdoctoral experience is common.
Job outlook
Employment for postsecondary physics teachers is projected to grow 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,300 openings per year, mostly from retirements and faculty turnover.
Competition for tenure-track roles at research universities is strong, but community colleges and teaching-focused institutions may offer better opportunities. The number of physics bachelor's degrees awarded has been steady, supporting continued demand for instructors.
- Projected growth: 2.5% (2024–2034)
- Annual openings: ~1,300
- Growth rated: about as fast as average
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest salary for a physics professor?
The top 10% of postsecondary physics teachers earn over $177,850 annually. The highest-paying state is California, with an average of $139,420.
Do you need a PhD to be a physics professor?
Yes, a PhD is typically required for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities. A master's degree may suffice for community college teaching roles.
Is physics teaching a growing field?
Yes, but slowly. The BLS projects 2.5% growth from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with roughly 1,300 new openings each year.
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 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary data.