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Hourly Wage for University Instructor - Physics Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of University Instructor - Physics?

As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an University Instructor - Physics in the United States is $29, which translates to an annual salary of about $59,710.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $36 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $25 to $33 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $21 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $25 10% $21 90% $36 75% $33 $29 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

University Instructor - Physics Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $67,760 $5,647 $1,303 $33
Average $59,710 $4,976 $1,148 $29
25th Percentile $51,650 $4,304 $993 $25
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Key Factors That Influence University Instructor - Physics Salaries

An University 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.

How Experience Level Affects University Instructor - Physics Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an University 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:

  • University Instructor - Physics (0-0 years): $59,707
  • College Assistant Professor - Physics (0-0 years): $77,245
  • College Associate Professor - Physics (0-0 years): $93,078
  • College Professor - Physics (0-0 years): $120,929
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
University Instructor - Physics0-0 years$59,707
College Assistant Professor - Physics0-0 years$77,245
College Associate Professor - Physics0-0 years$93,078
College Professor - Physics0-0 years$120,929
$59,707 Universit...
$77,245 College A...
$93,078 College A...
$120,929 College P...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do University Instructor - 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 Instructor - Physics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $66,110.
  • California: $65,860.
  • Massachusetts: $64,980.

Top Paying Cities for University Instructor - 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: $75,310
  • San Francisco: $74,490
  • Oakland: $72,920

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.82% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Spring (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.
  • Safety Standards (Mentioned in 1.43% Job Postings): Safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of products, activities and processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.82%
Spring 1.97%
Safety Standards 1.43%
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 an University Instructor - Physics's salary.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Motivating: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis
$66,875
12%
Motivating
$66,875
12%
Interpersonal Communication
$66,278
11%
Presentation
$64,487
8%
Facilitation
$64,487
8%
Coordination
$64,487
8%
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University Instructor - Physics Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

University Instructor - Physics salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,667. While startup companies pay approximate $52,669.

University Instructor - Physics Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$52,669
Growth Stage51~500$55,575
Established501~5000$59,701
Enterprise5000+$61,667

University Instructor - Physics Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industry for an University Instructor - Physics

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government$65,681$32.010%

How Education impacts an University Instructor - Physics's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University 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 an University Instructor - Physics with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,898 and $58,750).

University Instructor - Physics Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University Instructor - Physics
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%
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University Instructor - Physics Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an University 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 July 01, 2026

Salary Trends for University Instructor - Physics

Salaries for an University 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 University Instructor - Physics salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of University Instructor - Physics Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,867
2024
$55,153
2025
$53,962
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,867
2024 $55,153
2025 $53,962
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for University Instructor - Physics

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for University Instructor - Physics

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

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FAQ about University Instructor - Physics

1. What industry pays the highest salary for University Instructor - Physics?

The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for University Instructor - Physics roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much does a PHD in physics pay in USA?

As of now, the salary for a University Instructor in Physics ranges from $46,400 to $75,640 annually, with a mid-salary of $56,490. This reflects the compensation for those holding a PhD in physics, though actual salaries may vary based on experience, location, and institution.

3. What is the highest paid teacher in the USA?

The highest paid university instructors in physics can earn up to $75,640 annually, with a minimum salary of $46,400 and a mid-range salary of $56,490. While states like New York lead in average teacher salaries, university instructors in physics have their own distinct salary ranges reflecting their specialized expertise.

4. What is the highest-paying physics job?

The highest-paying physics job can vary, but positions like research scientist and nuclear engineer often lead the pack. At a university level, a physics instructor can earn between $46,400 and $75,640, with a median salary of $56,490. Other high-paying roles include lab manager, test engineer, and geophysicist.

5. How much do physics professors make in the US?

Physics instructors in the US typically earn between $46,400 and $75,640 annually, with a median salary around $56,490. These figures reflect the salary range for university-level positions in the field of physics, providing a clear overview of potential earnings for educators in this discipline.

6. How hard is a PhD in Physics?

A PhD in physics demands rigorous coursework and original research, culminating in a dissertation. Students often teach lower-level courses as part of their training. After earning your degree, you can expect a salary ranging from $46,400 to $75,640, with a median salary of $56,490, reflecting the value of your expertise in academia and research.

7. What is the highest paid university professor?

The highest paid university professors are typically in specialized fields. For instance, Law Teachers earn an average of $133,950, while Health Specialties Teachers make around $127,640. In contrast, Physics Instructors have a salary range from $46,400 to $75,640, with a mid-salary of $56,490, reflecting the varying compensation across disciplines.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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