As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Physics in the United States is $59,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a College Instructor - Physics's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A College Instructor - Physics's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a College Instructor - Physics's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| College Instructor - Physics | 0-0 years | $59,703 |
| College Assistant Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $77,256 |
| College Associate Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $93,104 |
| College Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $120,975 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Instructor - Physics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 12.82% |
| Spring | 1.97% |
| Safety Standards | 1.43% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$66,976 |
12%
|
|
Motivating
|
$66,976 |
12%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$66,378 |
11%
|
|
Presentation
|
$64,584 |
8%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$64,584 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$64,584 |
8%
|
College Instructor - Physics salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,714. While startup companies pay approximate $52,733.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,733 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,637 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,743 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $61,714 |
For College Instructor - Physics roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, College Instructor - Physics positions in Education typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view College Instructor - Physics as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government | $65,780 | $32.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Physics enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Instructor - Physics with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,970 and $58,821).
College Instructor - Physics Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 26.1% |
| High School | 39.1% |
| Associates | 34.8% |
| Bachelors | 26.1% |
| Masters | 39.1% |
| Doctorate | 34.8% |
Understanding how a College Instructor - Physics's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - Physics, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| College Assistant Professor - Architecture | $72,300 | 21% |
| College Assistant Professor - Biology | $71,100 | 19% |
| College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering | $96,300 | 61% |
| College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering | $90,500 | 51% |
Salaries for a College Instructor - Physics can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of College Instructor - Physics salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for College Instructor - Physics roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
As of now, the salary for a College Instructor in Physics in the United States ranges from $46,400 to $75,700 annually, with a median salary of $56,500. This translates to approximately $22.31 to $36.39 per hour, or $3,866 to $6,308 per month, depending on experience and location.
Many four-year colleges and universities require a PhD to qualify for an adjunct professor role, especially in fields like physics. However, two-year community colleges often accept candidates with a master's degree. Salaries for college instructors in physics range from $46,400 to $75,700, with a median salary of $56,500.
Becoming a college instructor can be challenging. A master's degree is typically needed for two-year colleges, while a doctoral degree is essential for four-year institutions. Salaries for college instructors in physics range from $46,400 to $75,700, with a median salary of $56,500, reflecting the level of education and experience required in this field.
UCLA Physics instructors typically earn between $46,400 and $75,700 annually, with a mid-salary of around $56,500. While the average salary for a full professor may be higher, this range reflects the compensation for college instructors in the Physics department.
Yes, Physics professors are in demand, with an anticipated increase of 4,120 new jobs by 2029. The salary range for College Instructors in Physics varies, with a minimum of $46,400, a mid-range of $56,500, and a maximum of $75,700, reflecting the growing need for qualified educators in this field.
The salary for a College Instructor in Physics typically ranges from $46,400 to $75,700, with a mid-point salary of $56,500. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and qualifications within the role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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