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$39K

$46.9K

$52.5K

How much do physics lab instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics lab instructor in the United States is $46,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $50,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Physics Lab Instructor, you need a solid background in physics, laboratory techniques, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data analysis software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW, and safety protocols is essential. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to mentor and engage students are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure that labs are run safely, students receive effective instruction, and learning objectives are met.

What are some of the key challenges Physics Lab Instructors face when managing student experiments, and how can they be addressed?

Physics Lab Instructors often encounter challenges such as ensuring student safety, managing limited lab resources, and accommodating varying skill levels among students. To address these, instructors typically establish clear safety protocols, organize equipment efficiently, and provide differentiated instruction to support all learners. Regular communication and collaboration with teaching assistants or faculty can also help maintain a smooth lab environment and enhance the overall learning experience.

What does a Physics Lab Instructor do?

A Physics Lab Instructor is responsible for guiding students through laboratory experiments related to physics concepts. They prepare lab materials, demonstrate proper techniques, ensure safety protocols are followed, and help students understand the underlying scientific principles. Additionally, they may grade lab reports, provide feedback, and assist with troubleshooting equipment. Their role is essential in helping students apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, hands-on environment.

What is the difference between Physics Lab Instructor vs Physics Teaching Assistant?

AspectPhysics Lab InstructorPhysics Teaching Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically requires at least a bachelor's degree in physics or related field; some positions prefer or require a master's degreeUsually graduate students pursuing a physics degree; may have similar or fewer certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in university or college labs, conducting experiments, overseeing student labs, and ensuring safetyAssists professors or instructors in lab setup, grading, and student support, often in the same academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by educational institutions to support physics coursesOften employed as graduate assistants or part-time staff in academic institutions

Both roles support physics education in academic settings, with the Physics Lab Instructor typically responsible for leading labs and ensuring safety, while the Physics Teaching Assistant assists instructors and supports students. The main differences lie in their qualifications and specific responsibilities, but both are essential for effective physics lab instruction.

More about Physics Lab Instructor jobs
What states have the most Physics Lab Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Physics Lab Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Physics Lab Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Lab Instructor jobs are:
Physics Lab Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Lab Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,902 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Quarterly Lecturer - Physics Lab Instructor

Quarterly Lecturer - Physics Lab Instructor

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA

$4.78K/wk

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Title:

Quarterly Lecturer - Physics Lab Instructor

Position Type:

Temporary

Salary Range:

$4776 per lab course

Purpose:

The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, invites applications for a quarterly lecturer (non-tenure track) to teach one section of a weekly lower division laboratory course (Physics 32) during fall quarter 2026. The successful candidate will teach no more than two courses in any quarter and no more than four courses over the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Each course runs 10 weeks. All classes will be presented in-person, however, if the county health conditions deteriorate, the successful candidate may be asked to teach part of the course online. Fall quarter starts on September 21, 2026.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. in Physics or related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Significant experience teaching physics at the university level, demonstrated experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students.


RESPONSIBILITIES:
TEACHING 100%
Teaching duties include but are not limited to:
1. Fulfilling all responsibilities associated with the assigned course, including:

a. Working with senior lab staff to demonstrate knowledge of weekly labs before meeting with students;
b. Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in presenting it effectively;
c. Grading student lab work each week and providing timely feedback to students;
d.Assisting with one make up lab session;
e.Submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate and fair measure of student performance;
f.Administering numerical and narrative course evaluations for all courses.

SERVICE (0%)
This position does not require any service duties. You may be invited, but not required, to attend department meetings or activities.


SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: SUBMIT BY FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026

1.Brief letter of interest, specifying qualifications, relevant teaching experience and addressing suitability to teach the specific courses to be covered.
2.Curriculum vitae
3.Contact information for two professional references who can comment on teaching ability

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
1.Brief letter of interest: Qualifications and Relevant Experience
2.Curriculum Vitae

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please note that your employment is subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 ("Local 1021"); see https://www.scu.edu/provost/faculty-affairs/cba-ntt/).

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team athraccommodations@scu.eduor by phone at (408)554-5750. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.

Work Authorization:

SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.

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