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
- Doing it now
- 16,400
- By 2035
- Up 2.4%
- Usually needs
- Doctoral or professional degree
a year
across the country
1,100 openings a year
to get in
What the work involves
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
What to study
The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.
- PhysicsSee 792 colleges that teach it
- Physics and AstronomySee 3 colleges that teach it
- ChemistrySee 1,170 colleges that teach it
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject AreasSee 985 colleges that teach it
Who it suits
O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.
Helping and teaching
Analytical and curious
Hands-on and practical
Careers like this one
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$84,620
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$94,980
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$93,250
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$103,170
- Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary$101,420
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$79,940
Where this comes from: the description and the task list are O*NET, which the Department of Labor maintains. Pay, workforce size, outlook and the education normally needed are the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections programme, 2025 wages and 2025 to 2035 projections. Half of them earn more than $100,310 a year, which means half earn less, and what you would earn depends on where you work and how long you have been doing it. The fields of study come from the National Center for Education Statistics crosswalk.