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Physics Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Physics Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$11.6K

$64.3K

$99.4K

How much do physics instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics instructor in Colorado is $64,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $67,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Physics Instructors?

Physics Instructors are educators who teach physics concepts, theories, and laboratory skills to students at various educational levels, such as high school, college, or university. They design lesson plans, deliver lectures, lead experiments, and assess student understanding through assignments and exams. In addition to teaching, they may also mentor students, participate in curriculum development, and stay updated with advancements in the field. Their goal is to help students grasp the fundamental principles of physics and apply them to real-world situations.

What is the difference between Physics Instructor vs Physics Teacher?

AspectPhysics InstructorPhysics Teacher
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or Education, teaching certification often preferredSame as Physics Instructor, often with state teaching certification
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, online platformsK-12 schools, high schools, sometimes colleges
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, online education providersPublic and private K-12 schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Physics Instructors typically teach at colleges or online platforms, requiring higher education credentials, while Physics Teachers work in K-12 schools with teaching certifications. Both roles focus on physics education but differ mainly in the educational level and work environment.

What are some of the common challenges Physics Instructors face when engaging students with diverse academic backgrounds?

Physics Instructors often encounter students with varying degrees of prior knowledge and confidence in math and science. A key challenge is designing lessons and assessments that are accessible yet rigorous, ensuring all students are both supported and challenged. Instructors may need to employ a range of teaching methods, such as hands-on experiments, collaborative problem-solving, and multimedia resources, to bridge gaps and keep students engaged. Regular communication and individualized feedback are essential for helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed in physics courses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physics Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Instructor, you need a strong background in physics, teaching credentials (such as a teaching certificate or advanced degree), and expertise in curriculum development. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, educational technology, and learning management systems (LMS) is typically expected. Outstanding communication, patience, and the ability to inspire students are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to effectively convey complex concepts, foster student engagement, and ensure academic success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Instructor jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Physics Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Physics Instructor jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Physics Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Physics Instructor jobs in CO? For Physics Instructor jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Physics Instructor job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,311 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Title: Physics Instructor

Position Type: Instructor

College: Red Rocks Community College

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: RRCC Physics

Campus: RRCC Lakewood Campus

Location: Lakewood

Salary Range: $1,213.06 to $1,881.40 per credit hour. 

Who We Are:

Red Rocks Community College exemplifies extraordinary. We are dedicated to our Vision and Mission, which promote student achievement, staff empowerment, and community engagement. We live our values: Learning, Collaboration, Community, Belonging, and Empowerment.


RRCC seeks applicants who understand and have first-hand experience working with diverse populations, which may include but are not limited to, historically marginalized populations such as people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, first generation graduates, and people with disabilities.

Job Summary:

The Part-Time Physics Instructor provides high-quality instruction and supports student success in physics courses at Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), a Colorado Community College System (CCCS) institution. Reporting to the Department Chair, this position delivers instruction in face-to-face, hybrid, and/or online learning environments and is responsible for developing and delivering curriculum aligned with course learning outcomes, assessing student performance, maintaining accurate academic records, and utilizing instructional technologies, including Desire2Learn (D2L), to support teaching and learning.


The instructor creates an engaging, inclusive, and respectful learning environment that reflects RRCC's commitment to Inclusive Excellence and promotes the success of a diverse student population. Responsibilities include preparing course materials and syllabi, providing timely feedback and communication, monitoring attendance and academic progress, maintaining compliance with College grading and recordkeeping requirements, and participating in department meetings, assessment activities, and other instructional initiatives.


The instructor maintains current knowledge of the discipline and effective teaching practices while demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to student achievement and continuous improvement. This position may teach day, evening, weekend, and online courses and may work varying schedules based on departmental needs.


Part-time Instructors perform instruction-related duties, and responsibilities in their respective areas of expertise at the College in accordance with the philosophy, policies, and procedures of the Colorado Community College System and Red Rocks Community College. This posting will be used to fill multiple part-time Instructor vacancies. Finalist must be willing to make Colorado their primary workplace, including online courses in accordance with CCCS employment requirements.
This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies.


Compensation is based on credit hour/contact hour ratios and ranges from $1,213.06 to $1,881.40 per credit hour.
This posting will remain open on a continuous basis, and applicants will be selected as needed until the position is filled or the posting expires. Please note: 
• Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. 
• Completed applications will remain active for 12 months from the date of submission. 
• There is no need to reapply during this 12-month period unless there are updates to your application materials. 
• After the 12-month period, applicants are welcome to reapply if the position is still open. 

Competencies/KSAs:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and foster an inclusive learning environment.
• Proficiency with instructional technology, learning management systems, and standard office software.
• Ability to follow approved curriculum, student learning outcomes, and college policies and procedures.
• Flexibility to teach daytime, evening, weekend, hybrid, laboratory, classroom, and off-site courses as assigned.
• Ability to adapt instruction to meet program needs, course objectives, and varying student learning needs.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology into the classroom where appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree from a fully accredited institution in Physics or a closely related field and at least 18 graduate hours in Physics.
• One (1) year of post-secondary experience teaching physics or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in curriculum development, supervision, instruction, and evaluation.
• Experience in program and curriculum development.
Physical & Cognitive Demands: 
The following are some of the physical and cognitive demands commonly associated with this position.


• Occasionally moves, positions, and transports files and office materials weighing up to 10 lbs.
• This is largely a sedentary role. This position operates in an office environment and constantly uses a computer, and routinely uses standard office equipment including phones, copiers, etc.
• The person in this position constantly communicates with internal and external constituents and students. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Cognitive demands include comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, synthesizing, negotiating, communicating, instructing, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree from a fully accredited institution in Physics and at least 18 graduate hours in Physics.
• A strong commitment to effective teaching and interest in a variety of teaching strategies, including methods from current physics education research
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience using non-traditional learning environments.
• Experience working in a community college; an understanding of the role, philosophy, and mission of the community college model.
• Experience in program and curriculum development.

Selection Process:

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications as related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Candidates may redact any personally identifiable information on their materials including but are not limited to age, date of birth, and dates of attendance and date of graduation for educational institutions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Instructions: 

Advertised Pay
The compensation for this position is $1,213.06 to $1,881.40 per credit hour, commensurate with education and experience. This is a part-time, FLSA-exempt position, and may work up to 28 hours per week, depending on budget and need. This position has been exempted from the State Classified System.


To Apply
All applicants must submit:
1. Resume
2. Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement.
3. Unofficial Transcripts
Visit our Careers website to submit your application.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Shane Spivey, Physical Science and Engineering Chair at Shane.Spivey@rrcc.edu.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Red Rocks Community College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process and/or during the course of employment, please contact Jennifer Matthews, Executive Director of Human Resources, at (303) 914-6298 or Jennifer.Matthews@rrcc.edu.