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Education

Physical Sciences Faculty

Teach physical sciences courses within a higher education environment. Includes teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those with a combination of teaching and research. Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty are also responsible for meeting postsecondary CTE program assurance requirements. Depending on the institution type, faculty may be classified as adjuncts, lecturers, professors, researchers, or tenure-track professors. Each classification has specific structures and requirements.

Annual openings

932

Median wage

$78,800

Typical education

A minimum of a Master’s (in any field or education related) degree is required for this position.

Growth 2024–2034

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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See where to compare pay, job demand, locations, skills, education, and training for a Colorado career.

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A minimum of a Master’s (in any field or education related) degree is required for this position.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

There are often no additional credentials required for this job. Specific for CTE faculty, the detail for credentials is available here.

Experience detail

2-5 years experience teaching and research in the field of study is valued, with specific requirements being under the control of each postsecondary institution.

Employer competency information

  • ● Instructing (including Education & Training) - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects ● Communication - Listen, speak, write, and signal so others can understand ● Writing - Knowledge of the structure and content of the written language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar ● Reading - Understand written sentences, paragraphs, and figures in work-related documents ● Working with Tools & Technology - Select, use, and maintain tools and technology (including computer and telecommunication) to facilitate work activity
Each postsecondary institution has a different mix of faculty between adjuncts, lecturers, professors, researchers, and tenure-track professors. It is best to speak with someone at the institution to understand how your interests and career goals match with their faculty positions.
There are a wide variety of subject areas taught by Higher Education Faculty and each has different salary and demand information. Select the jobs that match your subjects of interest to explore which are in demand in your region.
For more information about the industries and jobs covered in CTE courses, visit here.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenYes
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Education
  • Teaching

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  2. Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  3. Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  4. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  5. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  6. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
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