Physics, chemistry, earth science — how nature works at its foundations is what you teach and study, guiding students while pursuing research of your own. Where the physical sciences get taught.
The role splits across lecturing, running labs, advising, and research, all on the academic calendar. You move between classroom, lab, and writing grants and papers. Research and teaching tend to compete for your hours, and the grant-and-publish cycle runs under everything, especially pre-tenure.
How much you research versus teach depends on the institution, and the path to tenure is long and competitive. Industry can pay more for the same skills, funding shapes your work, and keeping non-majors engaged is its own skill. Community colleges and research universities are different jobs.
It tends to suit people who are rigorous, curious, and genuinely energized by teaching. If you'd rather do pure research or want fast results, the load can wear. But if the moment a hard concept clicks for a student keeps you going, the work tends to be deeply rewarding.
Your job belongs to your employer.
Your career belongs to you.
Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.
Your job belongs to your employer.
Your career belongs to you.
Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.
Physics, chemistry, earth science — how nature works at its foundations is what you teach and study, guiding students while pursuing research of your own. Where the physical sciences get taught.
Median pay for a Physical Science Professor is about $97K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $55K to $170K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).
Core skills for this role include Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Science, Speaking, and Critical Thinking.
Most people in this role hold a professional degree.
Employment in this field is projected to grow about 2.5% through 2034, with roughly 13,590 people working in it today (BLS).
Closely related roles include Physical Education Director, Environmental Engineering Professor, and Engineering Professor.
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