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College Professor - Physics Salary in the United States

How much does a College Professor - Physics make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Professor - Physics in the United States is $121,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.

However, a College Professor - Physics's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $156,061
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $106,100 to $139,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $92,443
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence College Professor - Physics Salaries

A College Professor - Physics's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do College Professor - Physics Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Professor - Physics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $134,000.
  • California: $133,500.
  • Massachusetts: $131,800.

Top Paying Cities for College Professor - Physics

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $152,700
  • San Francisco: $151,000
  • Oakland: $147,800

What Skills Can Increase a College Professor - Physics's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 9.87% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 2.69% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Physical Sciences (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): Explaining and studying nonliving systems and materials through empirical evidence to support technological and scientific advancements.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 9.87%
Computer Science 2.69%
Physical Sciences 1.79%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a College Professor - Physics's salary.

  • Patient Care: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Active Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Communication Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Patient Care $155,008
28%
Active Learning $155,008
28%
Communication Skills $141,687
17%
Get Latest Data

College Professor - Physics Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Professor - Physics salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $125,025. While startup companies pay approximate $106,766.

College Professor - Physics Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $106,766
Growth Stage 51~500 $112,669
Established 501~5000 $121,006
Enterprise 5000+ $125,025

College Professor - Physics Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For College Professor - Physics roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, College Professor - Physics positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view College Professor - Physics as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a College Professor - Physics

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government$139,265$67.015%

How Education impacts a College Professor - Physics's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Professor - Physics enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Professor - Physics with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $112,061 and $142,901).

College Professor - Physics Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Professor - Physics
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.7%
High School 7.7%
Associates 84.6%
Bachelors 7.7%
Masters 7.7%
Doctorate 84.6%
View as Graph

College Professor - Physics Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Professor - 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 September 01, 2026
$106,100
Average $121,100/year
$139,400
$8,842
Average $10,092/month
$11,617
$2,040
Average $2,329/week
$2,681
$51
Average $58/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,400 $11,617 $2,681 $67
Average $121,100 $10,092 $2,329 $58
25th Percentile $106,100 $8,842 $2,040 $51

Most common benefits for College Professor - Physics

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for College Professor - Physics

Here are companies hiring for College Professor - Physics and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about College Professor - Physics

1. What industry pays the highest salary for College Professor - Physics?

The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for College Professor - Physics roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paid college Professor?

The highest-paid college professors are typically in specialized fields. For Physics professors, salaries range from a minimum of $89,600 to a mid-level of $119,900, with top earners making up to $194,100. This places them among the higher-paying disciplines in academia, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their knowledge.

3. Which PhD pays the most in USA?

While many high-paying PhDs are in engineering and computer science, a PhD in Physics can also be lucrative. College professors in this field earn between $89,600 and $194,100, with a median salary of $119,900. This makes it a competitive option among doctoral degrees, especially considering the growth in related fields.

4. How much do physicists make at MIT?

Physicists at MIT can expect a salary range between $89,600 and $194,100 per year. The midpoint salary is approximately $119,900, which reflects the base pay and potential additional compensation.

5. Are physics professors in demand?

Yes, physics professors are in demand, with an anticipated increase of 4,120 new jobs by 2029. The salary range for college physics professors varies, with a minimum salary of $89,600, a mid-range salary of $119,900, and a maximum salary of $194,100, reflecting the growing need for qualified educators in this field.

6. How much is a physics PhD stipend?

The stipend for a physics PhD varies significantly by institution, with top programs offering around $42,000 to $48,000. However, for a College Professor in Physics, salaries range from $89,600 to $194,100, with a median salary of $119,900, reflecting the higher earning potential after completing a PhD.

7. Can college professors make 6 figures?

Yes, college professors can make six figures. In the field of physics, salaries range from a minimum of $89,600 to a mid-level salary of $119,900, with the potential to earn up to $194,100. While the highest-paid professors may earn over $200,000, many still achieve six-figure salaries based on experience and institution type.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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