Discover the Sonic Frontier: Exciting Acoustics Careers in Academia!
Acoustics faculty jobs offer a captivating niche in physics, blending sound wave science with innovations in healthcare, aerospace, and sustainability. Aspiring professors find tenure-track openings at leading universities, while students pursue specialized graduate programs to launch research-driven careers. This field powers ultrasound diagnostics, noise reduction for wind turbines, and even sonic weapons research—fringe applications like acoustic levitation at labs such as Argonne National Laboratory.
Renowned hubs include Penn State's Acoustics Program, the oldest PhD-granting in the U.S. (founded 1948), producing alumni at NASA and Lockheed Martin. Job seekers, explore higher ed jobs for lecturer and adjunct roles. Students, secure scholarships and rate acoustics courses on RateMyProfessor. Uncover earnings via professor salaries. Browse Acoustics Faculty Jobs
For Students: Pathways to Acoustics Expertise
Begin with a bachelor's in physics, mechanical, or electrical engineering, emphasizing waves and vibrations. Graduate MS/PhD programs like those at Georgia Tech or Boston University dive into niche areas such as bioacoustics—studying whale songs for oceanography—or musical acoustics at Juilliard collaborations.
Key Career Trajectories
- Academic track: Research assistantships leading to postdoc jobs.
- Industry pivot: Underwater acoustics for U.S. Navy or concert hall design.
- Fringe quirk: Infrasound research detects volcanoes, as in 2022 Tonga eruption studies.
Evaluate mentors on RateMyProfessor before applying. Seek higher ed career advice.
Prime Acoustics Faculty Opportunities
Tenure-track acoustics professor jobs emphasize NSF-funded research in metamaterials or aeroacoustics. Recent 2023 hires at University of Texas at Austin focused on EV noise simulation. Adjunct and lecturer positions suit early-career PhDs, often remote via remote higher ed jobs.
Prestige peaks with Acoustical Society of America fellows. Target professor jobs or lecturer jobs. Rate acoustics faculty excellence on RateMyProfessor.
Penn State Acoustics
PhD powerhouse; rate profs here.
Univ. of Washington
Marine acoustics focus.
Salary Insights for Acoustics Academics
Acoustics roles command solid pay within physics. 2023 data shows assistant professors at $110,000-$135,000 base, rising with coastal locales like California. Full professors exceed $190,000 at elite schools.
| Rank | US Average Salary (2023) | High-Cost Area |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $118,000 | $145,000 |
| Associate Professor | $142,000 | $170,000 |
| Full Professor | $185,000 | $220,000+ |
Full breakdowns at professor salaries and university salaries. Trends: 5% annual growth tied to green tech.
Emerging Trends and Quirks in Acoustics
Hot areas: Hypersonic flight noise (NASA 2024 projects) and sonic black holes in labs. Unique anecdote: F1 teams hire acousticians for downforce sound analysis. In Europe, UK jobs spotlight heritage site reverb modeling.
Leverage university rankings and academic calendar for applications. More at faculty jobs.
Associations for Acoustics
Acoustical Society of America
A leading organization dedicated to increasing and diffusing knowledge of acoustics and its practical applications.
Institute of Acoustics
The UK's professional body for those working in acoustics, noise, and vibration, promoting education, research, and professional standards.
International Commission for Acoustics
An international organization that promotes international development and collaboration in all fields of acoustics.
European Acoustics Association
A federation of European national acoustical societies that fosters cooperation, research, and education in acoustics across Europe.
Audio Engineering Society
An international professional society devoted to audio technology, including acoustics, with a focus on advancing the science and practice of audio engineering.
Australian Acoustical Society
A society that promotes the science and practice of acoustics in Australia through education, research, and professional development.
Canadian Acoustical Association
An organization that advances the science of acoustics and vibration in Canada by facilitating research, education, and professional networking.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔊What are acoustics faculty jobs?
Acoustics faculty jobs involve teaching and researching sound physics, from ultrasound to noise control. Roles include professor, lecturer, and postdoc positions listed on higher ed jobs.
💰How much do acoustics professors earn?
Assistant acoustics professors average $118,000 USD (2023), up to $220,000 for seniors in high-cost areas. Check detailed professor salaries by location and rank.
🏫Top universities for acoustics programs?
Penn State (oldest PhD), Georgia Tech, and Univ. of Washington lead. Rate acoustics professors at these schools on RateMyProfessor.
📚How to become an acoustics professor?
Earn PhD in acoustics/physics, publish in JASA, gain postdoc experience via postdoc jobs. Follow career advice.
📈What trends shape acoustics research?
Aeroacoustics for EVs, acoustic cloaking, bioacoustics for climate monitoring. Fringe: Sonic boom mitigation post-2024 SpaceX tests.
⭐Where to rate acoustics professors?
Use RateMyProfessor for honest reviews on acoustics faculty teaching and research.
📋Are there adjunct acoustics jobs?
Yes, flexible adjunct professor jobs in acoustics suit part-timers, often at community colleges.
🎻Unique quirks in acoustics careers?
From violin tone research to earthquake infrasound detection—acoustics blends art and science uniquely.
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