Following his doctoral studies, Hertz became Helmholtz's assistant at the Physics Institute in Berlin. This position provided him with access to state-of-the-art equipment and further opportunities for research and collaboration. During this time, he began exploring topics related to electromagnetic theory.

Hertz accepted a lectureship in theoretical physics at the University of Kiel. While the position offered some independence, the limited resources for experimental work made it challenging for him to fully pursue his research interests. He continued to develop his understanding of Maxwell's equations and began designing experiments to test their validity.

Hertz's career took a significant leap forward when he was appointed Professor of Physics at the Karlsruhe Polytechnic (later the University of Karlsruhe). This position provided him with a well-equipped laboratory and ample opportunities for research. It was in Karlsruhe that he conducted his groundbreaking experiments on electromagnetic waves.

In 1889, Hertz accepted the prestigious position of Professor of Physics at the University of Bonn, succeeding Rudolf Clausius. The University of Bonn offered even greater resources and a more established academic environment. Although he continued to conduct research, his health began to decline during this period. He focused on clarifying the fundamentals of mechanics in his later years.