How To Become A Physics Professor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a physics professor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Alex Holte PhD

A physics professor offers instruction in physical science at a tertiary institution. He/She develops and designs curricula to foster student learning, aid class discussions, and ensure student engagement. He/She prepares course materials like syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Also, he/she works with committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues. As a professor, you can either assign compiling, holding, or grading examinations to others or do it yourself. You will also prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on related topics like quantum mechanics, particle physics, and the likes.

To be a physics professor, you need a Ph.D. or terminal degree in physics and must have considerable experience. Likewise, you must be qualified to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels. You must possess teaching, communication, and interpersonal skills. As a physics professor, you'll report to the department head. Physics professors are paid an average salary of $76,726 yearly or $36.89 hourly. It ranges from $46,000 to $126,000.

What general advice would you give to a physics professor?

Alex Holte PhD

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Website

My advice for someone new to the field of academia is to learn time management skills early and learn what type of service work you find interesting and would like to contribute to. From there, learn how to say “no” to opportunities that may not align with your goals as well. I feel a lot of new professors tend to find the need to be involved in everything, which can result in burning out later in their career.

ScorePhysics ProfessorUS Average

Salary

5.5

Avg. Salary $69,894

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.7

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 11.94%

Black or African American 6.96%

Hispanic or Latino 9.93%

Unknown 4.90%

White 66.00%

Gender

female 18.45%

male 81.55%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a physics professor

Explore physics professor education requirements

Most common physics professor degrees

Bachelor's

54.0 %

Master's

24.5 %

Doctorate

16.5 %

Start to develop specific physics professor skills

Skills	Percentages
Physics Courses	32.68%
Astronomy	24.14%
Mathematical Concepts	17.69%
Chemistry	7.94%
Research Projects	7.26%

Research physics professor duties and responsibilities

Used blackboard online to manage students tests, grade papers and assign materials.
Develop microprocessor, computer architecture and embed lecture/lab courses that cover 6800/68332/Hc11, Intel and PIC microprocessors and microcontrollers.
Assist medical physicists with annual LINAC QA including equipment setup, measurement, and equipment performance analysis.

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