Physics Visiting Assistant Professor information
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$60.7K - $65.5K
18% of jobs
$65.5K - $70.2K
0% of jobs
$72.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$70.2K - $74.9K
3% of jobs
$74.9K - $79.6K
15% of jobs
$79.6K - $84.4K
7% of jobs
The median wage is $87.9K / yr.
$84.4K - $89.1K
2% of jobs
$89.1K - $93.8K
9% of jobs
$93.8K - $98.5K
14% of jobs
$100K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$98.5K - $103.3K
4% of jobs
$103.3K - $108K
22% of jobs
How much do physics visiting assistant professor jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics visiting assistant professor in the United States is $86,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Physics Visiting Assistant Professors are temporary faculty members hired by universities or colleges, typically for a limited term of one to three years, to teach physics courses and sometimes conduct research. They often fill in for permanent faculty on leave or help meet increased instructional needs. While their roles can vary by institution, they usually focus heavily on teaching undergraduate courses, mentoring students, and may participate in departmental activities. These positions are often held by early-career physicists seeking additional teaching experience before pursuing tenure-track faculty roles.
As a Physics Visiting Assistant Professor, you can expect a primary focus on undergraduate teaching, often including introductory and advanced physics courses, as well as laboratory instruction. While research is usually encouraged, it may be less emphasized compared to tenure-track positions; however, many institutions value and support collaborative research, especially if it involves undergraduate students. Balancing teaching loads with maintaining active research can be challenging, but this role offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience and build a professional network, which can be instrumental for future academic career advancement.
To thrive as a Physics Visiting Assistant Professor, you need a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field, a strong background in teaching, and demonstrated research experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and mentorship skills help foster effective learning and collaboration with students and colleagues. These competencies ensure high-quality instruction, productive research, and a positive learning environment during the limited-term appointment.
What are popular job titles related to Physics Visiting Assistant Professor jobs?
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