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The differences between physics teachers and science instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a physics teacher and a science instructor. Additionally, a physics teacher has an average salary of $54,119, which is higher than the $48,925 average annual salary of a science instructor.
The top three skills for a physics teacher include classroom management, student learning and instructional materials. The most important skills for a science instructor are classroom management, kids, and professional development.
| Physics Teacher | Science Instructor | |
| Yearly salary | $54,119 | $48,925 |
| Hourly rate | $26.02 | $23.52 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 68,098 | 40,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Physics Teacher prepares and delivers lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students regarding the laws of matter and energy. They may work for schools, professional schools, colleges, or universities.
A Science Instructor guides the student in understanding important concepts in science, which may include problem-solving and gathering evidence in supporting concepts or ideas. Their responsibilities include presenting science demonstrations, checking assignments, grading tests, and writing lesson plans. Instructors also need to evaluate each student's performance. They are also required to be excellent in written and verbal skills and communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
Physics teachers and science instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Physics Teacher | Science Instructor | |
| Average salary | $54,119 | $48,925 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $80,000 | Between $30,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Amherst, MA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New York |
| Best paying company | Varian Medical Systems | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a physics teacher and a science instructor in terms of educational background:
| Physics Teacher | Science Instructor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Physics | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between physics teachers' and science instructors' demographics:
| Physics Teacher | Science Instructor | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.3% Female, 31.7% | Male, 50.8% Female, 49.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |