Physics teachers, postsecondary
SOC Code: 25-1054Also known as:
Acoustics Teacher, Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Physics Instructor, Adjunct Professor, Aerodynamics Professor
Median Annual Salary
$97,360
+2.5% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
17K
Current Jobs
What Physics teachers, postsecondary Do
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.
💰 Salary
$97,360
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.5%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
17,100
Projected Employment (2034)
17,500
Related Careers
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
$79,350 •
+2.3% growth
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
$106,120 •
+8.1% growth
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
$83,460 •
+7.3% growth
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
$101,390 •
+2.6% growth
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
$86,220 •
+2.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Instructing
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Science
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Doctoral Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Physics teachers, postsecondary
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a physics teachers, postsecondary:
Physics, General
11,944 degrees awarded •
796 colleges offer this program
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education
1,022 degrees awarded •
163 colleges offer this program
Physics, Other
482 degrees awarded •
54 colleges offer this program
Health/Medical Physics
288 degrees awarded •
36 colleges offer this program
Optics/Optical Sciences
249 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Acoustics
175 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
129 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Physics Teacher Education
114 degrees awarded •
41 colleges offer this program
Chemical Physics
41 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Physics and Astronomy
39 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Physics teachers, postsecondary
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become physics teachers, postsecondary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physics teachers, postsecondary make?
The median annual salary for physics teachers, postsecondary is $97,360.
What education do physics teachers, postsecondary need?
Most physics teachers, postsecondary positions require a doctoral or professional degree.
Common degree programs include Physics, General, Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education, Physics, Other.
Is becoming a physics teachers, postsecondary a good career choice?
Physics teachers, postsecondary is projected to see +2.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for physics teachers, postsecondary?
Top colleges for aspiring physics teachers, postsecondary include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of California-Berkeley, New York University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to physics teachers, postsecondary?
Physics teachers, postsecondary may also be known as: Acoustics Teacher, Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Physics Instructor, Adjunct Professor, Aerodynamics Professor, Aerodynamics Teacher, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Astrophysics Professor, Astrophysics Teacher, Atomic Physics Professor, Atomic Physics Teacher, Ballistics Professor, Ballistics Teacher, College Faculty Member, College Professor, Geospatial Analysis Instructor, Hydrodynamics Professor, Hydrodynamics Teacher, Instructor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.