Mechanical Engineer
Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work.
- $104,110
- 4 years
Education & Childcare career
Engineering Professor
Also called: Engineering Faculty · Mechanical Engineering Professor · Electrical Engineering Professor · Civil Engineering Professor
What engineering professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an engineering professor do?
Engineering teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering, and conduct research. The median pay is $109,270 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +7.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$109,270Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+7.8%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year3,900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs50,900Employment, 2025
What engineering professors do
Engineering professors train future engineers and push technology forward. They teach courses in mechanics, circuits, structures, thermodynamics and design, run labs, mentor capstone design teams, lead research groups funded by grants, publish papers and work with industry partners.
University engineering faculty usually hold a Ph.D.; many also hold PE licenses. Engineering teaching pays well for academia, and BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
Typical duties
- Teach engineering courses
- Run teaching labs
- Advise capstone design teams
- Lead a research lab
- Write grant proposals
- Publish research
- Work with industry partners
Work environment and schedule
Engineering faculty work in classrooms, labs and offices.
Schedule: Teaching, research and service with flexible but busy hours.
A day in the life
- Teach thermodynamics.
- Meet the research group.
- Write an NSF proposal.
- Supervise a capstone team.
See a full day in the life of an engineering professor →
Engineering Professor salary
Half of engineering professors earned more than $109,270 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $61,550 for the lowest 10% to $210,370 for the top 10%.
Full engineering professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an engineering professor
- Earn an engineering bachelor’s
- Do research
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Do a postdoc
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in an engineering field is typical for universities; community colleges may accept a master’s.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an engineering professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Engineering fundamentals
- Research design
- Lab management
- Grant writing
- Technical writing
People skills
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Communication
- Project management
All engineering professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay for academia
- Cutting-edge research
- Industry ties
- Faster-than-average growth
Cons
- Grant pressure
- Running a lab is like running a business
- Long training
- Busy schedule
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in engineering: Doctoral degree.
- PE license: Valued in many fields.
- ABET experience: Accreditation knowledge.
- Research grants: NSF, DOE, DOD.
Career path
- Postdoc or Instructor: Train.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Dean: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Engineering Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as advise a capstone design team and write a research grant proposal, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Civil Engineer
Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on.
- $100,840
- 4 years + PE path
Electrical Engineer
Design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life.
- $120,630
- 4 years
Computer Science Professor
Teach programming, algorithms and computing at the college level.
- $96,980
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Compare: Engineering Professor vs. Mechanical Engineer · Engineering Professor vs. Civil Engineer · Engineering Professor vs. Electrical Engineer · Engineering Professor vs. Computer Science Professor
Engineering Professor FAQ
Do engineering professors need a Ph.D.?
Usually, especially at universities.
Do they need a PE license?
Not always, but it’s valued in some fields.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
How much does an engineering professor make?
The median annual wage for engineering professors was $109,270 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $61,550 and the highest 10% earned more than $210,370.
How long does it take to become an engineering professor?
Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in an engineering field is typical for universities; community colleges may accept a master’s.
Do you need a degree to be an engineering professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.
More engineering professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1032 (Engineering teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Engineering teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.