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Physics Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stanford Energy

Assistant Professor in Physics

Stanford, CA · On-site

$128K - $152K/yr

Assistant Professor in Physics Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line Location: Stanford University Categories: School of Humanities & Sciences The Department of Physics at Stanford University ...

Rutgers University

$2.7K/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 ...

Rutgers University

Lecturers-Physics

Camden, NJ · On-site

$2.7K/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

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$2.7K/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 ...

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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 Jul 3, 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.

Are physics professors in demand?

Physics professors are in steady demand in higher education institutions, research organizations, and government labs, especially those with strong research backgrounds and advanced degrees. Employment opportunities depend on funding, institutional needs, and specialization areas, with competition often requiring a Ph.D. and research experience.

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.

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 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, institution, and location, but the average annual salary in many regions ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000. Professors with tenure, research responsibilities, and advanced degrees typically earn higher salaries, and additional income may come from research grants and consulting.

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.

What is the highest paid physics job?

The highest paid physics jobs are typically in industry roles such as research scientists, data scientists, or engineering managers in technology, aerospace, or defense sectors, often requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills. Executive positions like chief technology officers or R&D directors in these fields can also command high salaries. These roles usually offer compensation significantly higher than academic positions like university professors.

Does NASA hire physicists?

Yes, NASA hires physicists for roles involving research, data analysis, and mission development related to space science and technology. Physicists working at NASA often hold advanced degrees and utilize skills in experimental and theoretical physics, often working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams. Employment opportunities are available through federal hiring processes and require relevant qualifications and security clearances.
More about Physics Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Physics Professor jobs? Cities with the most Physics Professor job openings:
What states have the most Physics Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Physics Professor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Physics Professor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Professor jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Physics Professor jobs? For Physics Professor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Physics Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,900 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Physics & Engineering Physics (Tenure-Track)

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

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

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)

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