As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Professor - Mechanical Engineering in the United States is $134,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, a College Professor - Mechanical Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
College Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $154,600 | $12,883 | $2,973 | $74 |
| Average | $134,300 | $11,192 | $2,583 | $65 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,600 | $9,800 | $2,262 | $57 |
A College 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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
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 Professor - Mechanical Engineering's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | $163,846 | |
| Health Sciences | $163,846 | |
| Commitment | $155,788 |
College 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 $138,653. While startup companies pay approximate $118,404.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $118,404 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $124,951 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $134,196 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $138,653 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Professor - Mechanical Engineerings enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Professor - Mechanical Engineering with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $135,085 and $158,346).
| Typical Education for College Professor - Mechanical Engineering | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 25.0% |
| High School | 33.3% |
| Associates | 41.7% |
| Bachelors | 25.0% |
| Masters | 33.3% |
| Doctorate | 41.7% |
Understanding how a College 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $154,600 | $12,883 | $2,973 | $74 |
| Average | $134,300 | $11,192 | $2,583 | $65 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,600 | $9,800 | $2,262 | $57 |
Salaries for a College Professor - 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 Professor - Mechanical Engineering salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Yes, mechanical engineers do make six figures. The salary range for a College Professor in Mechanical Engineering is between $113,700 and $194,600, with a mid-salary of $143,100. This reflects the higher earning potential in academia compared to typical engineering roles, which often start lower.
To become a college professor, you typically need about five to six years of education, often culminating in a Ph.D. If you gain professional experience or complete additional training, it may take up to eight years. Once established, salaries for mechanical engineering professors range from $113,700 to $194,600, with a median of $143,100.
As of now, a Mechanical Engineering Professor in the United States earns between $113,700 and $194,600 annually, with a median salary of $143,100. This translates to approximately $54.66 to $93.54 per hour, or $2,189 to $3,746 per week. The monthly earnings range from $4,891 to $16,416, depending on experience and institution.
Mechanical engineers can find some of the highest salaries in industries such as pharmaceuticals, aeronautics, and nanotechnology. For college professors in mechanical engineering, salaries range from a minimum of $113,700 to a mid-point of $143,100, with top earners making up to $194,600. These sectors often offer competitive compensation packages.
College engineering professors earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $113,700, a mid-range salary of $143,100, and a maximum of $194,600 annually. This reflects the value placed on their expertise and contributions to education and research in the field of mechanical engineering.
PhD students in the USA typically earn between $113,700 and $194,600 annually, with a mid-salary of around $143,100. This range reflects the varying compensation based on factors such as institution, location, and field of study, particularly in specialized areas like Mechanical Engineering.
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.)
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