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AP Physics Instructor Salary in California

How much does an AP Physics Instructor make in California? As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for an AP Physics Instructor in California is $76,721 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, an AP Physics Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $97,316
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,118 to $87,501
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,376
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out AP Physics Instructor Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence AP Physics Instructor Salaries

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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects AP Physics Instructor Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $71,172
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $71,472
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $75,223
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $79,416
  • Expert (over 8 years): $79,715
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level AP Physics Instructor less than 1 year $71,172
Early Career Level AP Physics Instructor 1-2 years $71,472
Mid-Level Level AP Physics Instructor 2-4 years $75,223
Senior-Level Level AP Physics Instructor 5-8 years $79,416
Expert Level AP Physics Instructor over 8 years $79,715

How Do AP Physics Instructor Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:

  • District of Columbia: $77,013.
  • California: $76,721.
  • Massachusetts: $75,698.

Top Paying Cities for AP Physics Instructor

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $76,853
  • West Hollywood: $76,797
  • Dodgertown: $76,852

AP Physics Instructor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AP Physics Instructor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, AP Physics Instructor positions in Education typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view AP Physics Instructor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an AP Physics Instructor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government $80,557 $39.0 5%

AP Physics Instructor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on November 01, 2026
$67,118
Average $76,721/year
$87,501
$5,593
Average $6,393/month
$7,292
$1,291
Average $1,475/week
$1,683
$32
Average $37/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,501 $7,292 $1,683 $42
Average $76,721 $6,393 $1,475 $37
25th Percentile $67,118 $5,593 $1,291 $32

Find Your Next AP Physics Instructor Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AP Physics Instructor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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