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$56K

$86.5K

$108K

How much do assistant professor physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor physics in the United States is $86,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Physics vs Lecturer Physics?

AspectAssistant Professor PhysicsLecturer Physics
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Physics or related field, research experienceMaster's or Doctorate, teaching certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, academic institutions, research labsPrimarily teaching-focused, colleges or universities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutesColleges, universities, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between Assistant Professor Physics and Lecturer Physics lies in their roles and expectations. Assistant Professors typically hold a PhD, engage in research, and have a tenure-track position, whereas Lecturers primarily focus on teaching and may have different qualification requirements. Both roles are found in academic settings, but Assistant Professors often have more research responsibilities and career advancement opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor of Physics, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Physics, you need a Ph.D. in physics or a related field, strong research experience, and a proven record of academic publications. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), and learning management systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, mentorship abilities, and a passion for teaching help foster student engagement and collaboration with colleagues. These skills are crucial for effectively advancing research, delivering quality education, and contributing to the academic community.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Professors in Physics during their early years, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Professors in Physics often encounter challenges such as balancing research productivity with teaching responsibilities, securing research funding, and establishing their own academic network. Early-career faculty may find it demanding to develop new course materials while also publishing research and applying for grants. Building collaborations with colleagues, seeking mentorship, and effective time management can help address these challenges and set a strong foundation for tenure and career advancement.

What are Assistant Professor Physics?

An Assistant Professor of Physics is an early-career faculty member at a college or university who teaches undergraduate and sometimes graduate courses in physics, conducts research in their area of expertise, and mentors students. They are typically on a tenure-track, meaning they may eventually become Associate Professors after a review period. Their responsibilities also include publishing research, securing grants, and contributing to academic service within their department and institution.
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Assistant Professor Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Physics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,471 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor, Physics, Oakland

Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor, Physics, Oakland

NorthEastern

Oakland, CA • On-site

$84K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity

About the Opportunity:

The Department of Physics at Northeastern University in Oakland, California, invites applications from qualified candidates for a full-time, non-tenure track faculty position with the title of Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor in Physics to start in the Fall of 2026 (Aug 17, 2026).


Responsibilities:

This is a full-time undergraduate teaching position. It requires on-site presence at our Oakland, California campus. The standard workload for teaching alone would be teaching up to five sections (5 courses) per year of physics and related courses for physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering students at the undergraduate level (Initially in the PHYS 115X sequence: PHYS 1151, PHYS 1152, PHYS 1153, PHYS 1155, PHYS 1156, and PHYS 1157). Duties include office hours. Additional duties may include oversight of course and associated laboratory curricula, planning and developing instructional programs and materials, evaluation of curricula, and moderate departmental and College service. Candidates are expected to have high aptitude and interest in teaching, a deep interest and excellence in community-based projects, and coordinate with other instructors to monitor student progress and assist students when necessary. If the opportunity arises, additional courses or sections can be taught for extra compensation.


Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics or other closely related disciplines by the appointment start date, demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate lecture courses, and excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Because Northeastern is a global institution with locations in an array of jurisdictions, qualified candidates must have excellence in, or a demonstrated commitment to, working with global student populations.


Documents to Submit:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Teaching philosophy statement
  • Leadership statement
  • List of three references

Please indicate how your expertise, knowledge, and skills have prepared you to contribute to this work with written statements addressing the following prompts:


Teaching statement:

Please summarize your past instructional and mentorship experiences, your pedagogical philosophy, your plans/goals for teaching in the Department of Physics in the College of Science (including existing and proposed courses), and your strategies for teaching and mentoring global student populations.


Leadership Statement:

Please describe your past experiences and activities and/or your future plans detailing your leadership style, how you intend to cultivate a culture that promotes a sense of belonging, including fostering a free and open exchange of ideas and managing different perspectives to help others strengthen their practice.

Position Type

Academic

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Range:

Assistant Teaching Professor: $84,000.00 - $98,000.00 | Associate Teaching Professor: $84,000.00 - $104,000.00

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

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