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College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary in the United States

How much does a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering in the United States is $98,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

However, a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $123,618
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $83,800 to $111,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,507

Key Factors That Influence College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries

A College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $109,000.
  • California: $108,600.
  • Massachusetts: $107,100.

Top Paying Cities for College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineerings

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $124,100
  • San Francisco: $122,800
  • Oakland: $120,200

What Skills Can Increase a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 5.52% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 3.1% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
  • CAD (Mentioned in 1.38% Job Postings): Computer-aided design is the use of computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 5.52%
Hydraulics 3.1%
CAD 1.38%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering's salary.

  • Mechanical Systems: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Critical Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • CAD: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Mechanical Systems $123,000
25%
Critical Thinking $119,064
21%
CAD $119,064
21%

College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $101,589. While startup companies pay approximate $86,753.

College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $86,753
Growth Stage 51~500 $91,550
Established 501~5000 $98,324
Enterprise 5000+ $101,589

How Education impacts a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineerings enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree is between $89,454 and $98,357).

College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.2%
High School 2.2%
Associates 8.7%
Bachelors 17.4%
Masters 8.7%
Doctorate 71.7%

College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$83,800
Average $98,400/year
$111,600
$6,983
Average $8,200/month
$9,300
$1,612
Average $1,892/week
$2,146
$40
Average $47/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $111,600 $9,300 $2,146 $54
Average $98,400 $8,200 $1,892 $47
25th Percentile $83,800 $6,983 $1,612 $40

College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Associate Professor - Architecture $88,500 -10%
College Associate Professor - Biology $79,000 -20%
College Associate Professor - Chemical Engineering $109,500 11%
College Associate Professor - Civil Engineering $106,400 8%

Most common benefits for College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Here are companies hiring for College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

1. Which engineering has the highest salary?

Among engineering disciplines, Mechanical Engineering offers competitive salaries for College Assistant Professors, with a minimum salary of $81,000, a mid-range salary of $96,600, and a maximum salary of $114,700. While other engineering fields may also provide high salaries, Mechanical Engineering remains a strong contender in the academic job market.

2. What is the average salary of a PHD Professor in the US?

The average salary for a College Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering ranges from $81,000 to $114,700, with a mid-salary of $96,600. This reflects a competitive compensation structure, with entry-level positions starting at $81,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $114,700 annually.

3. How much do engineering assistant professors make in the US?

In the US, College Assistant Professors in Mechanical Engineering earn between $81,000 and $114,700, with a median salary of $96,600. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and institution types within the field.

4. How much does NYU engineering pay assistant professors?

NYU engineering offers a competitive salary for Assistant Professors in Mechanical Engineering, with a range from $81,000 to $114,700. This aligns with the city's pay transparency guidelines, ensuring fair compensation for academic roles.

5. Is a PhD in mechanical engineering worth it in USA?

Is a PhD in mechanical engineering worth it in the USA? Yes! Graduates conduct impactful research that influences human health, safety, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement. Additionally, they can expect a competitive salary, with entry-level positions starting around $81,000, a mid-range salary of $96,600, and potential earnings up to $114,700.

6. How much can you make with a PhD in mechanical engineering?

With a PhD in mechanical engineering, you can expect a salary range for a College Assistant Professor between $81,000 and $114,700, with a median salary of $96,600. In top-paying cities like Sunnyvale, CA, salaries can reach around $122,395, reflecting the high demand and expertise in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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