Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Postsecondary physics teachers instruct students on the laws of matter and energy. Their daily work centers on teaching and training others, which requires strong skills in speaking, instructing, and active listening. They spend significant time working with computers, analyzing scientific data, and interpreting complex information for their students. To keep their coursework relevant, these educators must constantly update and use their own scientific knowledge.

This role demands deep knowledge in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and education. Teachers must also understand engineering, technology, and English language concepts. Because their primary interest area is social, these professionals focus on helping and communicating with others. They rely on critical thinking and reading comprehension to solve problems and make decisions in the classroom and laboratory. Successful teachers approach their work with intellectual curiosity, dependability, and attention to detail. They must also show cooperation, integrity, and perseverance when guiding students through difficult scientific concepts.

Entering this career typically requires extensive preparation. Most individuals need a graduate degree, and the typical education level required to enter the field is a doctoral or professional degree. Students preparing for this career path often major in physics, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, or physics and astronomy. Other relevant college majors include public health, teacher education and professional development in specific subject areas, and general chemistry.

While many postsecondary teachers focus entirely on college-level instruction and research, some may pursue specific credentials depending on their specific teaching goals. For example, the Praxis Subject Assessment: Physics: Content Knowledge (5266) from the Educational Testing Service is a certification related to this field. Aspiring teachers should focus on developing deep expertise in their chosen scientific discipline during their graduate studies.

In 2025, the median annual pay for postsecondary physics teachers was $100,310. Earnings vary based on experience and institution type, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $60,200 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $177,850.

There were 13,090 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.4 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. Employers are expected to fill about 1,100 job openings each year during this ten-year period.