Physics Teachers, Postsecondary vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary out-earn Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education by $36K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physics Teachers, Postsecondary land at $100,310 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education at $63,970. The education gap is real: physics teachers, postsecondary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while elementary school teachers, except special education programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary is California ($139,420); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physics Teachers, Postsecondary median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physics Teachers, Postsecondary or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary earn more nationally. The median is $100,310 for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, a difference of $36K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physics Teachers, Postsecondary or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary has the better 10-year outlook at 2.5% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Physics Teachers, Postsecondary or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary typically requires bachelor's degree. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Physics Teachers, Postsecondary get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary at $139,420/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physics Teachers, Postsecondary vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Physics Teachers, Postsecondary earn $139,420 vs. $99,650 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.