Education and libraries
Physics teachers, postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay
$100,310
Growth to 2035
+2%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,100
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Physics teachers, postsecondary
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Physics teachers, postsecondary: 63% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Also called: Adjunct Professor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Instructor · Physical Science Professor · Physics Instructor · Physics Lecturer · Physics Professor
Outlook and AI
Physics teachers, postsecondary held 16,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 16,800 by 2035 (+2%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Physics teachers, postsecondary vs. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
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