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College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salary in the United States

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering in the United States is $68,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,385
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,800 to $77,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,424
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View as table View as graph 25% $58,800 10% $50,424 90% $85,385 75% $77,100 $68,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $77,100 $6,425 $1,483 $37
Average $68,000 $5,667 $1,308 $33
25th Percentile $58,800 $4,900 $1,131 $28

Key Factors That Influence College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries

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

How Experience Level Affects College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering (0-0 years): $67,939
  • College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering (0-0 years): $98,312
  • College Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering (0-0 years): $110,711
  • College Professor - Mechanical Engineering (0-0 years): $134,099
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering0-0 years$67,939
College Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering0-0 years$98,312
College Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering0-0 years$110,711
College Professor - Mechanical Engineering0-0 years$134,099
$67,939 College I...
$98,312 College A...
$110,711 College A...
$134,099 College P...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do College Instructor - 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 Instructor - Mechanical Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,300.
  • California: $75,000.
  • Massachusetts: $74,000.

Top Paying Cities for College Instructor - 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: $85,700
  • San Francisco: $84,800
  • Oakland: $83,000

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.82% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Spring (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.
  • Safety Standards (Mentioned in 1.43% Job Postings): Safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of products, activities and processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.82%
Spring 1.97%
Safety Standards 1.43%
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 Instructor - Mechanical Engineering's salary.
  • Public Speaking: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Safety Training: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • CPR: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Public Speaking
$77,520
14%
Safety Training
$75,480
11%
CPR
$74,120
9%
Chemistry
$72,080
6%
First Aid
$71,400
5%
Workday
$70,720
4%
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College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,228. While startup companies pay approximate $59,982.

College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$59,982
Growth Stage51~500$63,291
Established501~5000$67,990
Enterprise5000+$70,228

College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$74,800$36.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - 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 Instructor - Mechanical Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree is between $69,387 and $76,184).

College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 33.3%
High School 66.7%
Associates 33.3%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 66.7%
Doctorate 0.0%
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College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Instructor - 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 July 01, 2026

College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - 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 Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 6%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 5%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,300 42%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,500 33%

Salary Trends for College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering

Salaries for a College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,867
2024
$55,153
2025
$53,962
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,867
2024 $55,153
2025 $53,962
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering

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

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about College Instructor - Mechanical Engineering

1. Can you make 500k as an engineer?

Yes, but not all mechanical engineering instructors will reach that level of compensation. The average salary ranges from $63,400 to $90,100, with a midpoint of $74,600. To achieve higher earnings, one might consider roles in high-demand areas, advanced positions, or opportunities in prestigious institutions.

2. How to make 6 figures as a mechanical engineer?

To make six figures as a mechanical engineer, consider these strategies: earn a master's degree, combine your engineering degree with management, obtain a Professional Engineer's license, volunteer for special projects, specialize in high-growth industries, relocate to high-paying states, and negotiate your salary. Current salary data shows a range from $63,400 to $90,100, with potential for higher earnings.

3. What degree do you need to be an engineering professor?

To become an engineering professor, most employers expect you to hold a Ph.D. in engineering or a closely related field. In terms of salary, college instructors in mechanical engineering can expect to earn between $63,400 and $90,100, with a median salary of around $74,600.

4. Do engineering professors need a Phd?

Yes, engineering professors typically need a PhD, especially at colleges and universities like the University of Sydney. This advanced degree, which involves several years of study and original research, is often essential for securing positions that offer competitive salaries ranging from $63,400 to $90,100 for College Instructors in Mechanical Engineering.

5. What type of college professor makes the most money?

College professors in specialized fields tend to earn the highest salaries. For instance, mechanical engineering instructors have a salary range from $63,400 to $90,100, with a median salary of $74,600. While this is competitive, fields like law and health specialties often offer higher compensation, with salaries exceeding $120,000.

6. Which PhD pays highest?

Among the highest-paying doctoral degrees, Mechanical Engineering stands out. College instructors in this field earn between $63,400 and $90,100, with a median salary of $74,600. This competitive salary reflects the demand for expertise in engineering disciplines, making it a lucrative choice for those pursuing a PhD.

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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