Adjunct Instructor Physics
Columbus College of Art & Design – Columbus, OH
How much does an AP Physics Instructor make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an AP Physics Instructor in the United States is $69,545 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an AP Physics Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
AP Physics Instructor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,321 | $6,610 | $1,525 | $38 |
| Average | $69,545 | $5,795 | $1,337 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,839 | $5,070 | $1,170 | $29 |
An AP Physics Instructor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an AP Physics Instructor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level AP Physics Instructor | less than 1 year | $64,514 |
| Early Career Level AP Physics Instructor | 1-2 years | $64,786 |
| Mid-Level Level AP Physics Instructor | 2-4 years | $68,187 |
| Senior-Level Level AP Physics Instructor | 5-8 years | $71,989 |
| Expert Level AP Physics Instructor | over 8 years | $72,260 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract AP Physics Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many AP Physics Instructor professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an AP Physics Instructor with a Bachelor's is between $62,108 and $69,352.
| Typical Education for AP Physics Instructor | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 33.3% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associate's Degree | 0% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 33.3% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 66.7% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 0% |
Understanding how an AP Physics Instructor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,321 | $6,610 | $1,525 | $38 |
| Average | $69,545 | $5,795 | $1,337 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,839 | $5,070 | $1,170 | $29 |
Salaries for an AP Physics Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,816 in 2023 to around $53,913 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of AP Physics Instructor salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $55,816 |
| 2024 | $55,103 |
| 2025 | $53,913 |
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The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for AP Physics Instructor roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
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