What Does a Physics Professor Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a physics professor do?

Physics teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in physics and astronomy at colleges and universities and often conduct research. The median pay is $100,310 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–9 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$100,310
Annual salary · May 2025
Job growth
+2.4%
2025–35, slower than average
Openings per year
1,100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
6–9 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
16,400
Employment, 2025

What physics professors do

Physics professors teach the laws of nature. They teach mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum physics and astronomy, run demonstrations and labs, lead research in areas like particle physics, condensed matter or astrophysics, write grants and publish.

Universities usually require a Ph.D. and often a postdoc; community colleges may hire instructors with a master’s degree.

Typical duties

Teach physics courses
Run labs and demonstrations
Lead research
Mentor students
Write grants
Publish research
Serve on committees

Work environment and schedule

Faculty work in classrooms, labs, observatories and offices.

Schedule: Teaching, research and service; some research involves remote facilities.

A day in the life

8:00 AMTeach introductory mechanics.
9:30 AMSet up a demonstration.
11:00 AMMeet the research group.
1:00 PMRun a simulation.

See a full day in the life of a physics professor →

Physics Professor salary

Half of physics professors earned more than $100,310 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $60,200 for the lowest 10% to $177,850 for the top 10%.

$60,20010th$100,310Median$177,85090th

Full physics professor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a physics professor

Earn a physics bachelor’s
Do research
Complete a Ph.D.
Do a postdoc
Get hired

A Ph.D. in physics is typical for universities, often with a postdoc.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a physics professor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Physics expertise
Mathematics
Lab design
Computational modeling
Research

People skills

Clear explanation
Curiosity
Mentoring
Persistence

All physics professor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Deep intellectual work
Research on fundamental questions
Flexible schedule
Fun demonstrations

Cons

Long training
Competitive tenure track
Grant pressure
Few positions

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D. in physics: Doctoral degree.
Postdoctoral research: Common.
Radiation safety training: For some labs.
Research grants: NSF, DOE.

Career path

Postdoc: Research.
Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
Associate Professor: Tenure.
Professor or Chair: Lead departments.

Learn the job before day one

Our Physics Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a classroom physics demonstration and teach measurement uncertainty, safety and how to land your first job.

View Physics Professor training Is this career right for me?

Physicist

Study matter, energy and forces to discover how the universe works.

$172,250
5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Astronomer

Study stars, planets and the universe using telescopes and data.

$128,820
5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs

Math Professor

Teach college math, from calculus to advanced theory.

$79,940
5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Engineering Professor

Teach engineering and lead research labs at colleges and universities.

$109,270
5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Compare: Physics Professor vs. Physicist · Physics Professor vs. Astronomer · Physics Professor vs. Math Professor · Physics Professor vs. Engineering Professor

Physics Professor FAQ

Do physics professors need a postdoc?

Usually for research universities.

Is physics teaching only lectures?

No, labs and active learning are common.

Are positions competitive?

Yes, especially at research universities.

How much does a physics professor make?

The median annual wage for physics professors was $100,310 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $60,200 and the highest 10% earned more than $177,850.

How long does it take to become a physics professor?

Most people need about 6–9 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in physics is typical for universities, often with a postdoc.

Do you need a degree to be a physics professor?

Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1054 (Physics teachers, postsecondary).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Physics teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Physics Professor