Teaching and research and meeting with students
CAREER
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$90,400
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+4.4% (slower than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Do
Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Other Job Titles Physics Teachers, Postsecondary May Have
Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Instructor, Physical Science Professor, Physics Instructor, Physics Lecturer, Physics Professor, Professor, Science Instructor
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Doctoral or professional degree (47%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral or professional degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Physics, General
Graduate
Physics, General
Doctorate
Physics, General
Certification / License
Phd
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Interacting with NASA and other government labs
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
Discuss job opportunities with faculty in your areas of interest.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
