As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Professor - Physics in the United States is $120,929 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Professor - Physics's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Professor - 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Professor - 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor - Physics | 0-0 years | $59,707 |
| Asst. Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $77,245 |
| Assoc. Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $93,078 |
| Professor - Physics | 0-0 years | $120,929 |
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 Professor - Physics. 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
|
$154,789 |
28%
|
|
Active Learning
|
$154,789 |
28%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$141,487 |
17%
|
|
Leadership
|
$139,068 |
15%
|
|
Coordination
|
$135,440 |
12%
|
|
Work Ethic
|
$134,231 |
11%
|
Professor - Physics salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $124,892. While startup companies pay approximate $106,670.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $106,670 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $112,554 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $120,910 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $124,892 |
For 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, Professor - Physics positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Professor - Physics as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government | $139,068 | $67.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 Professor - Physics with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $112,419 and $143,394).
Professor - Physics 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 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Professor - 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 Professor - Physics salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Professor - Physics's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Professor - Physics earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Professor - Physics is $152,528.
The highest pay for Professor - Physics is $155,917.
The lowest pay for Professor - Physics is $92,446.
Teaches courses in the discipline area of physics. Develops and designs curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensures student engagement. Provides tutoring and academic counseling to students, maintains classes related records, and assesses student coursework. Collaborates and supports colleagues regarding research interests and co-curricular activities. Typically reports to a department head. Requires a PhD or terminal degree appropriate to the field. Has considerable experience and is qualified to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels and initiates research and case studies in field of interest and may publish findings in trade journals or textbooks. Provides intellectual leadership and has made significant contributions to the field. May offer independent study opportunities and mentoring to students. Typically this individual is a leader in the field and has been published.
The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for Professor - Physics roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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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