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University Associate Professor - Physics Salary in the United States

How much does an University Associate Professor - Physics make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Associate Professor - Physics in the United States is $93,130 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $119,246
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $82,950 to $106,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,682
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence University Associate Professor - Physics Salaries

An University Associate 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 University Associate 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 University Associate Professor - Physics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $103,120.
  • California: $102,730.
  • Massachusetts: $101,360.

Top Paying Cities for University Associate 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: $117,470
  • San Francisco: $116,180
  • Oakland: $113,740

What Skills Can Increase an University Associate Professor - Physics's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 12.5% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Academic Advising (Mentioned in 2.08% Job Postings): Academic advising is, according to the National Academic Advising Association, "a series of intentional interactions with a curriculum, a pedagogy, and a set of student learning outcomes. Academic advising synthesizes and contextualizes students' educational experiences within the frameworks of their aspirations, abilities and lives to extend learning beyond campus boundaries and timeframes."
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 2.08% 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.5%
Academic Advising 2.08%
Computer Science 2.08%
See More Skills

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

University Associate Professor - Physics salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $96,148. While startup companies pay approximate $82,107.

University Associate Professor - Physics Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $82,107
Growth Stage 51~500 $86,647
Established 501~5000 $93,058
Enterprise 5000+ $96,148

University Associate Professor - Physics Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For University Associate Professor - Physics roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, University Associate Professor - Physics positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view University Associate Professor - Physics as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an University Associate Professor - Physics

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$111,756$54.020%

How Education impacts an University Associate Professor - Physics's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Associate Professor - 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 an University Associate Professor - Physics with a Bachelor's Degree is between $80,322 and $93,634).

University Associate Professor - Physics Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University Associate Professor - Physics
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.8%
High School 4.8%
Associates 81.0%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 14.3%
Doctorate 81.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an University Associate 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
$82,950
Average $93,130/year
$106,800
$6,913
Average $7,761/month
$8,900
$1,595
Average $1,791/week
$2,054
$40
Average $45/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $106,800 $8,900 $2,054 $51
Average $93,130 $7,761 $1,791 $45
25th Percentile $82,950 $6,913 $1,595 $40

University Associate Professor - Physics Salary Growth & Career Path

University Associate Professor - Physics

Next Role

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an University Associate Professor - 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 Professor - Architecture $116,300 25%
College Professor - Biology $101,700 9%
College Professor - Chemical Engineering $141,100 52%
College Professor - Civil Engineering $140,800 51%

Most common benefits for University Associate Professor - Physics

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

Common company salaries for University Associate Professor - Physics

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

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FAQ about University Associate Professor - Physics

1. How much does an associate professor make in the USA?

The salary for an associate professor in the USA typically ranges from $71,830 to $135,430 per year. The average salary is around $87,410 annually. Entry-level positions start at approximately $71,830, while experienced professionals can earn up to $135,430 per year.

2. How much does an associate professor at Duke University make?

An associate professor at Duke University typically earns between $71,830 and $135,430 annually, with a mid-salary of around $87,410. This reflects a competitive compensation range, aligning with the university's commitment to attracting top talent in the field of physics.

3. How much does a PhD make in the US?

In the US, the salary for an Associate Professor in Physics typically ranges from $71,830 to $135,430, with a median salary of $87,410. This can vary based on factors such as experience, institution, and location.

4. How much do physicists make at MIT?

The estimated total pay range for an Associate Professor in Physics is $71,830 to $135,430 per year, which includes base salary and additional compensation. The mid-salary for this position is approximately $87,410.

5. Are Physics professors in demand?

Physics professors are indeed in high demand due to a shift in science standards, particularly with the implementation of Next Generation Science Standards, which has intensified the shortage of qualified instructors. The salary range for University Associate Professors in Physics typically falls between $71,830 and $135,430, reflecting the value placed on these educators.

6. What is the highest-paying physics job?

The highest-paying physics job is often considered to be that of a university associate professor in physics, with salaries ranging from $71,830 to $135,430, depending on experience and institution. Other high-paying roles include lab manager, nuclear engineer, and research scientist, among others.

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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