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Physics Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hartnell College

Physics Part-Time Professor

Salinas, CA · On-site

$60.19 - $71.29/hr

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Opening Date: 06/07/2024 Description PHYSICS PART-TIME PROFESSOR Hartnell College is currently accepting applications to establish a pool for future ...

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Physics Professor information

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$71K

$109.9K

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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.
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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

Assistant Professor of Physics

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Houston Christian University rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Faculty Position

Assistant Professor of Physics

Houston Christian University

Position Summary

The Department of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics is seeking a faculty member who is passionate about teaching and mentoring students in a Christian work environment. Candidates must be able to teach physics service courses (both calculus-based and precalculus-based) for science, mathematics and engineering majors while participating in departmental activities including curriculum development, student mentoring, committee work, and program assessment. Candidates should be available to begin work in the Fall of 2026 or later. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Job Responsibilities

  • Design and teach calculus-based and precalculus-based physics courses
  • Plan, implement, and assess classroom experiences per university policy
  • Academically advise and mentor students
  • Serve on college and university committees
  • Maintain professional relationships with students, colleagues, and the community

Qualifications

Candidates should have a Doctorate of Philosophy in Physics or a related field.

Other qualifications include:

  • Demonstrated teaching excellence and a willingness to use active learning techniques
  • Evidence of scholarship
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience using instructional technology
  • Evidence of a willingness to serve students, the university, and the broader community

Additional Information

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian institution with a diverse student body and access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The University has implemented its Ten Pillars 2030 vision https://hc.edu/about-hcu/ten-pillars/ and anticipates significant growth in enrollment and programs. The successful candidate will be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline that supports the universitys core convictions.

The vision of the College of Science and Engineering is to be the best college in the world at integrating fundamental principles of engineering, science and mathematics (STEM) with modern computing and information technology (IT) and historic Christian values and standards (Faith). Graduates will meet 21st-century engineering and computing needs and distinguish themselves by exhibiting the highest ethical standards. For additional information, please visit https://hc.edu/science-and-engineering/.

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