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Physics Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rutgers University

Lecturers, Physics

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$2K/wk

Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Lecturers, Physics Department FASC - Physics Salary Details A minimum of $2,777 per credit. Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined ...

Rutgers University

Lecturers-Physics

Camden, NJ · On-site

$2K/wk

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Lecturers-Physics Department Physics Salary Details A minimum of $2,777 per credit. Offer Information The final salary offer may be ...

Rutgers University

Lecturers, Physics

Camden, NJ · On-site

$2K/wk

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Lecturers, Physics Department Physics Salary Details A minimum of $2,777 per credit. Offer Information The final salary offer may be ...

Rutgers University

$2K/wk

Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Lecturers, Physics Department Physics Salary Details A minimum of $2,777 per credit. Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by ...

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Physics Professor information

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$71K

$109.9K

$125K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics professor in the United States is $109,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid job in physics?

The highest paid jobs in physics are often in industry roles such as research scientists, physicists in aerospace or defense companies, and senior technical consultants, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in areas like applied physics, engineering, or data analysis.

What is the difference between Physics Professor vs Physics Lecturer?

AspectPhysics ProfessorPhysics Lecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D.) in Physics or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate, depending on institution
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academiaUniversities, colleges, sometimes high schools
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily higher education institutionsHigher education, sometimes vocational or community colleges
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic roles and career pathsCompared for teaching positions at various educational levels

The main difference between a Physics Professor and a Physics Lecturer lies in their academic credentials, responsibilities, and career paths. Physics Professors typically hold a Ph.D., engage in research, and have tenure, while Physics Lecturers may have a master's or doctorate and focus primarily on teaching. Both roles are vital in academia but differ in scope and expectations.

Is there a demand for physics professors?

Physics professors are in steady demand at universities and research institutions, especially those with expertise in specialized fields like quantum mechanics or astrophysics. Employment opportunities depend on factors such as academic qualifications, research experience, and the availability of funding for higher education. The job market can vary regionally and is influenced by higher education enrollment trends and government research budgets.

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

To thrive as a Physics Professor, you need deep subject expertise in physics, a relevant doctoral degree, and experience in academic research and teaching. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), and learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills set outstanding professors apart in engaging and inspiring students. These combined abilities ensure effective teaching, meaningful research contributions, and the development of future scientists.

What can you do with a PhD in physics?

A physics professor with a PhD can work in academia as a faculty member, conducting research and teaching students. They can also find roles in research institutions, government labs, or industry positions such as data analyst, technical consultant, or science communicator, often requiring strong analytical and technical skills. Postdoctoral experience and publishing research are common steps to advance in these careers.

What Does a Physics Professor Do?

A physics professor offers instruction in physical science at a community college, four-year college, or university. As a professor, you can teach both undergraduate and graduate-level courses, depending on your qualifications. An associate professor (adjunct professor) works on a contract basis, while a faculty member with tenure has a career position at the university. Your duties in all physics teaching jobs include planning a syllabus for each class. You lecture, use exams to assess students’ knowledge, and oversee hands-on courses in a lab. At a university, your responsibilities include performing research and writing academic articles.

What does a Physics Professor do?

A Physics Professor is an academic professional who teaches physics courses at a college or university level. They design and deliver lectures, guide laboratory sessions, and assess students' understanding of various physics concepts. In addition to teaching, Physics Professors often conduct original research in their field, publish scholarly articles, and mentor students in their academic and research pursuits. They may also serve on academic committees and contribute to curriculum development within their department.

How much does a physics professor get paid?

Physics professors' salaries vary based on experience, education, and institution type, but typically range from $60,000 to over $150,000 annually. Salaries tend to be higher at research universities and for those with tenure, advanced research skills, and published work.

What are some common challenges Physics Professors face when balancing teaching and research responsibilities?

Physics Professors often juggle multiple priorities, including preparing lectures, grading, mentoring students, conducting research, and publishing findings. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during peak periods like exam seasons or grant deadlines. Effective time management and clear communication with colleagues and students are essential to maintain productivity and job satisfaction. Many institutions provide support such as teaching assistants or research staff to help manage workloads, but developing a strategic approach to scheduling and prioritizing is key.
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Physics Professor jobs near you
Assistant Professor of Physics & Engineering Physics (Tenure-Track)

Assistant Professor of Physics & Engineering Physics (Tenure-Track)

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Job Title
Assistant Professor of Physics & Engineering Physics (Tenure-Track)
Division
Divison of Academic Affairs
Department
Department of Physics
Work Status
Full Time
Position Category
Faculty
Faculty Rank
Assistant Professor
FLSA
Exempt
Pay Range
Exempt
Salary Range
$75,000 to $120,000 Based on Discipline
Fund Source
State Support
Job Summary
The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics at Morgan State University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Physics to start in May 2024. Early career researchers in Nuclear & Particle Physics are encouraged to apply.
Job Duties
Other duties include teaching effectively both undergraduate and graduate courses while providing service to the University through participation in school and department committees.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
The successful candidate is expected to establish a dynamic research program with a strong collaboration with local faculty, national laboratories, and other research institutions. The successful candidate must be able to attract sustainable external funds to support his/her research program.
Required Minimum Qualifications
  • The applicant must have a Ph.D. degree in Physics with a specialty in Nuclear & Particle from an accredited College or University, with postdoctoral research experience.
  • Two years of experience in Physics at the university level.

Other Preferences for Consideration
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
FA00339
Number of Vacancies
1
Job Open Date
10/29/2024
Best Consideration Date
11/30/2024
Job Close Date
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants are required to submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae with a list of publications, and statements of research, teaching, and service interests including diversity and inclusion activities using the on-line recruitment system at: https://morgan.peopleadmin.com/ To receive full consideration, candidates must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt of a completed application. The search will remain open until the position is filled. For further information, please visit https://www.morgan.edu/physics or contact the search committee chair, Dr. Willie Rockward at Willie.Rockward@morgan.edu.
Required documents
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (include list of 3-5 references)
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• Service Statement (upload into the Supporting Documents tab)
• Diversity and Inclusion Activities (upload into the Supporting Documents tab)

Apply