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

What is a physics teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Cynthia Carver

Physics teachers teach students in secondary schools the laws of physics. They create engaging lesson plans about energy, material, matter, and other elements of the discipline of physics. They deliver class material, support students in their progress, and evaluate their performance.

You will work with teenagers from the most diverse backgrounds. You have to be inspiring and stimulating, motivating children to discover the magic of your subject matter. You will explain the complexities of physics in an accessible language, show experiments and practice calculations, set assignments, and grade course work. You will be there to answer questions and provide guidance whenever necessary.

A degree in physics is going to be necessary here. You will also have to be licensed and certified to work as a teacher, and having teaching experience will also be important. Liking children is perhaps the most important personal feature to nurture in this position, as well as a passion for teaching and working with people. Not always easy, but endlessly satisfying on a personal level, this role can earn you an annual salary of $56,000 on average.

What general advice would you give to a physics teacher?

Dr. Cynthia Carver

Associate Professor & Chair, Oakland University

Be prepared to work hard - your first year of teaching will be demanding - but know that you are doing important work. We are the profession that makes all others possible. And don't forget to ask for help.

ScorePhysics TeacherUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $54,119

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.4

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.45%

Asian 3.56%

Black or African American 7.88%

Hispanic or Latino 11.51%

Unknown 3.96%

White 72.63%

Gender

female 31.69%

male 68.31%

Age - 43

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 - 43

Stress level

8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a physics teacher

Explore physics teacher education requirements

Most common physics teacher degrees

Bachelor's

70.9 %

Master's

19.1 %

Doctorate

3.7 %

Start to develop specific physics teacher skills

Skills	Percentages
Classroom Management	15.41%
Student Learning	10.24%
Instructional Materials	9.03%
Public Schools	8.91%
Math	7.93%

Complete relevant physics teacher training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New physics teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a physics teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real physics teacher resumes.

Research physics teacher duties and responsibilities

Serve as a substitute teach chemistry, physics and astronomy.
Prepare and present lecture and exam material, supervise students, assist JV girls soccer coach
Aid an alternative strategy of learning basic concepts of chemistry, biology, & physiology.
Emphasize math and science skills in project base, standards base, and traditional classroom settings.

Prepare your physics teacher resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your physics teacher resume.

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