As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physics Professor in the United States is $120,801 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:
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A Physics Professor'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 Physics Professor'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 | $59,723 |
| College Assistant Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $77,204 |
| College Associate Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $92,976 |
| Physics Professor | 0-0 years | $120,752 |
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 Physics Professors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.87% |
| Computer Science | 2.69% |
| Physical Sciences | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Patient Care
|
$154,625 |
28%
|
|
Active Learning
|
$154,625 |
28%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$141,337 |
17%
|
|
Leadership
|
$138,921 |
15%
|
|
Coordination
|
$135,297 |
12%
|
|
Work Ethic
|
$134,089 |
11%
|
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
| 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% |
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 March 01, 2026Salaries for a Physics Professor 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 Physics Professor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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