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

What is a physics tutor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Cynthia Carver

A physics tutor helps students understand and learn the hard and complicated concepts of physics during either private, one-on-one sessions, or group meetings. They also design lesson plans and give exercises to the pupils while keeping records of their educational progress.

The tasks include checking and evaluating students' assignments, exams, and projects, and providing tips and pointers to obtain better scores. Encouraging and assisting the students during reviews for upcoming tests are also parts of the job. During the sessions, the students should improve their problem-solving skills and academic performance.

The qualifications to be a physics tutor may vary depending on the level and age of the students. For instance, high school students need a tutor who is at least a high school graduate. Undergraduate students require someone with more advanced background in the subject, preferably a physics degree holder. But certainly, the candidates must have comprehensive knowledge of the subject and an effective teaching approach.

What general advice would you give to a physics tutor?

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 TutorUS Average

Salary

2.2

Avg. Salary $27,894

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

9.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 12.03%

Black or African American 9.08%

Hispanic or Latino 16.14%

Unknown 5.87%

White 56.38%

Gender

female 23.40%

male 76.60%

Age - 42

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 - 42

Stress level

3.9

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

9.4

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a physics tutor

Explore physics tutor education requirements

Most common physics tutor degrees

Bachelor's

73.6 %

Associate

12.5 %

Master's

8.8 %

Start to develop specific physics tutor skills

Skills	Percentages
C++	28.99%
Statics	17.52%
Math	11.11%
Trigonometry	5.90%
Organic Chemistry	5.32%

Complete relevant physics tutor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New physics tutors 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 tutor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real physics tutor resumes.

Research physics tutor duties and responsibilities

Manage the undergraduate help room; assist undergraduate non-physics-major students with physics homework and concepts.
Instruct students in algebra, geometry, calculus, and general physics.
Provide one-on-one tutoring support and facilitate group study sessions for test and midterm preparation.
Tutor college students using knowledge of geometry, algebra, calculus, physics, and chemistry.

Prepare your physics tutor resume

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

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a physics tutor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable physics tutor resume templates

Build a professional physics tutor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your physics tutor resume.