Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary is a professional role in the Educational Instruction and Library job family, focused on Physics Teachers, Postsecondary work. Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys do
Typical education: Doctoral Degree
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.
Top skills:InstructingSpeakingScienceReading ComprehensionWritingLearning Strategies
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary pay by experience level
Entry level$62,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$76,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$104,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$137,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$184,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+2.5%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,300
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary salary by industry
Educational Services
13,090 workers
$115,500
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
11,100 workers
$118,000
Educational Services, State Government Owned
7,140 workers
$113,000
Educational Services, Privately Owned
4,290 workers
$120,000
Junior Colleges
1,990 workers
$99,500
Educational Services, Local Government Owned
1,660 workers
$113,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary pays 31% above the average across 65 roles in the Educational Instruction and Library job family (family average $88,500).
Similar-paying roles in Educational Instruction and Library
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary make?
The average base salary for a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in the United States is $115,500 per year, or about $55.53 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $76,500 and $137,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Educational Instruction and Library roles?
The Educational Instruction and Library job family averages $88,500 across 65 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
