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$71K

$109.9K

$125K

How much do physics professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,900 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Assistant Professor - Biomedical Physics

Assistant Professor - Biomedical Physics

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

University Of South Florida rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

280th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Physics at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus, seeks to fill a 9-month, full-time, tenure-earning position at the Assistant Professor level in experimental biomedical sciences or biophysics. The appointment start date is August 7, 2026. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Our Physics Department has well-established research programs in experimental and theoretical biophysics, materials physics, and optics. We also interact with other researchers in USF's Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as the nearby Moffitt Cancer Center.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

The minimum requirement for this position is a doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Physics or a closely related field, relevant postdoctoral experience, and demonstrate potential for attracting independent extramural funding. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.

Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated strengths in the areas of optical and/or molecular biophysics and the potential for collaborations in basic or translational biomedicine. 

How To Apply:

When applying, please attach the following required materials: 

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vita with publication record
  • Statement of teaching philosophy (1 page)
  • Research plan (2-3 pages)

In addition, applicants should have three (3) letters of recommendation sent to physearch@usf.edu.  

All applications completed by December 1, 2025 will be given full consideration, but the search will continue until the position is filled. 

Questions regarding this search should be directed to Prof. Ghanim Ullah, Search Committee Chair (physearch@usf.edu).

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations contact Edwin Perez (edwinperez@usf.edu), a minimum of five working days in advance. This position is subject to Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 ("HB 7017")

The successful candidate will establish a nationally recognized research program, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentor student research at all levels. 

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About University of South Florida

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The University of South Florida (USF), located in Tampa, FL, US, is a highly respected, long-standing institution specializing in teaching, research, and public service. It operates within the higher education industry and offers over 180 undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral degree programs, across disciplines ranging from arts and sciences to business, engineering, and healthcare. Founded in the year 1956, USF has relentlessly strived to develop an environment conducive to learning and research, which over the years, has earned it a preeminent status among public universities across the globe. USF's mission is to foster a vibrant, student-centric learning environment that instills an expansive intellectual foundation to drive success. USF is known for its considerable impact on regional and state economies, contributing $5 billion annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

1956

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