Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary Salary 2025: $109,270 Median, 8% Growth
The median annual salary for postsecondary engineering teachers hit $109,270 in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That breaks down to roughly $53 per hour, with the top 10% pulling in over $210,000. With 40,270 positions nationwide and a projected 8.1% growth rate over the next decade, this is one of the faster-growing teaching specialties.
How much Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median salary for an engineering professor is $109,270 per year. The mean annual wage is higher at $124,520, reflecting a skew toward higher-paid senior faculty. Most earn between $61,550 (10th percentile) and $210,370 (90th percentile).
Pay varies significantly by institution type, rank, and region. Full professors at research universities can land in the top tier, while instructors at community colleges or adjuncts fall near the bottom. Experience and tenure also drive earnings upward.
Pay by state
California leads with an average salary of $137,280 for engineering teachers. Illinois ($135,430), Massachusetts ($134,850), Georgia ($131,260), and Delaware ($130,730) round out the top five. On the lower end, Nebraska averages $95,860, Maine $88,750, and Pennsylvania $82,070.
How to become Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Most postsecondary engineering teachers hold a doctoral degree in engineering or a closely related field. A master's degree may suffice for teaching at community colleges or for instructor roles. The path: earn a bachelor's in engineering (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil), then a master's and/or PhD. Research experience, publications, and teaching assistantships bolster applications.
While no state license is required to teach at the university level, professional engineering (PE) licensure can enhance credentials for applied fields. Many positions also require a strong record of research or industry experience. The typical entry-level role is assistant professor, progressing to associate and full professor.
- 1. Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering.
- 2. Complete a master's and/or PhD in engineering.
- 3. Gain research or industry experience.
- 4. Publish in academic journals and present at conferences.
- 5. Apply for assistant professor openings at colleges and universities.
Job outlook
Employment of postsecondary engineering teachers is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 4,100 job openings per year, largely due to retirements and increasing enrollments in engineering programs. Growth will be strongest at universities expanding STEM offerings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary?
The mean annual wage is $124,520, but the median is $109,270. Most earn between $61,550 and $210,370.
How do I become a postsecondary engineering teacher?
You typically need a PhD in engineering, along with research and teaching experience. A master's may qualify for some community college roles.
Is the job outlook good for engineering professors?
Yes. The BLS projects 8.1% growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,100 openings each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary data.