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Physics Professor Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physics Professor in the United States is $121,101 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $156,062
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $106,101 to $139,401
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $92,444
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Physics Professor Salaries

A Physics Professor'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 Physics Professor 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 Physics Professors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $134,001.
  • California: $133,501.
  • Massachusetts: $131,801.

Top Paying Cities for Physics Professors

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: $152,701
  • San Francisco: $151,001
  • Oakland: $147,801

What Skills Can Increase a Physics Professor'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 Physics Professor'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 $155,009
28%
Active Learning $155,009
28%
Communication Skills $141,688
17%
Get Latest Data

Physics Professor Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Physics Professor salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $125,026. While startup companies pay approximate $106,767.

Physics Professor Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $106,767
Growth Stage 51~500 $112,670
Established 501~5000 $121,007
Enterprise 5000+ $125,026

Physics Professor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Physics Professor 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, Physics Professor positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physics Professor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Physics Professor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government$139,266$67.015%

How Education impacts a Physics Professor's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physics Professors 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 Physics Professor with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $112,062 and $142,902).

Physics Professor Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Physics Professor
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

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

Understanding how a Physics Professor'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
$106,101
Average $121,101/year
$139,401
$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 $139,401 $11,617 $2,681 $67
Average $121,101 $10,092 $2,329 $58
25th Percentile $106,101 $8,842 $2,040 $51

Most common benefits for Physics Professor

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

Common company salaries for Physics Professor

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

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FAQ about Physics Professor

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

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

2. Are physics professors in demand?

Physics professors are indeed in high demand, driven by a shift in science standards and the implementation of Next Generation Science Standards, which has intensified the shortage of qualified instructors. With salaries ranging from $89,601 to $194,101, the profession offers competitive compensation, attracting more individuals to this critical field.

3. Do you need a PhD to be a physics professor?

To work as a physics professor at a university, a Ph.D. in physics is required. The salary for this position typically ranges from a minimum of $89,601 to a maximum of $194,101, with a mid-salary of $119,901, reflecting the level of expertise and experience in the field.

4. What is grade 21 salary?

The salary for a Physics Professor at grade 21 typically ranges from a minimum of $89,601 to a maximum of $194,101, with a mid-point salary of $119,901. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this academic field.

5. Are physicists still in demand?

Yes, physicists are still in demand. Employment for physicists and astronomers is expected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Annually, around 1,600 job openings are projected. Salaries for physics professors range from $89,601 to $194,101, with a median salary of $119,901, reflecting the profession's value and demand.

6. Is MIT better than Harvard for physics?

Both MIT and Harvard are prestigious institutions with outstanding physics programs. MIT is often regarded as a leader in technology and innovation, particularly in the sciences. Faculty salaries reflect this excellence, with Physics Professors earning between $89,601 and $194,101, depending on experience and position. Ultimately, the choice may depend on specific research interests and career goals.

7. How much a PhD professor earns in usa?

As of 2024, a Physics Professor in the USA typically earns between $89,601 and $194,101 annually, with a mid-salary of $119,901. Salaries can vary significantly based on experience, institution, and location, reflecting the demand and expertise in the field.

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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