Physics teachers, postsecondary
SOC Code: 25-1054
Physics teachers, postsecondary carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $97,360 and +2.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 17,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Physics teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1054) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 17,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $97,360, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Physics teachers, postsecondary. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- 2. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 3. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- 4. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.
- 5. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- 6. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- 7. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 8. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- 9. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- 10. Supervise students' laboratory work.
Key Skills Required
- Instructing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Science
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Physics teachers, postsecondary?
Physics teachers, postsecondary has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Physics teachers, postsecondary?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Physics teachers, postsecondary is projected to grow by 2.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 17,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Physics teachers, postsecondary?
Key skills for Physics teachers, postsecondary include Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Physics teachers, postsecondary earn?
The median annual wage for Physics teachers, postsecondary is $97,360, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Physics teachers, postsecondary?
The typical entry-level education for Physics teachers, postsecondary is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Physics teachers, postsecondary?
Physics teachers, postsecondary roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).