Physics Teachers, Postsecondary vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys out-earn Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations by $36K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys land at $100,310 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations 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, Postsecondarys is California ($139,420); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations 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, Postsecondarys or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations?
Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys earn more nationally. The median is $100,310 for Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations, a difference of $36K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physics Teachers, Postsecondary or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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, Postsecondarys get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys 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, Postsecondarys earn $139,420 vs. $99,650 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.