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University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary in the United States

How much does an University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering in the United States is $98,320 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $123,366
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $83,730 to $111,430
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,447
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View as table View as graph 25% $83,730 10% $70,447 90% $123,366 75% $111,430 $98,320 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $111,430 $9,286 $2,143 $54
Average $98,320 $8,193 $1,891 $47
25th Percentile $83,730 $6,978 $1,610 $40

Key Factors That Influence University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries

An University Assistant Professor - 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 University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an University Assistant Professor - 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
  • University 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
University 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 Universit...
$110,711 College A...
$134,099 College P...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for University 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: $124,010
  • San Francisco: $122,650
  • Oakland: $120,060

What Skills Can Increase an University 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
See More Skills
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 an University 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
$122,900
25%
Critical Thinking
$118,967
21%
CAD
$118,967
21%
Consulting
$117,984
20%
Commitment
$110,118
12%
Microsoft Office
$102,253
4%
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University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

University 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 $101,542. While startup companies pay approximate $86,727.

University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$86,727
Growth Stage51~500$91,511
Established501~5000$98,305
Enterprise5000+$101,542

How Education impacts an University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University 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 an University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree is between $89,382 and $98,283).

University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University 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%
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University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an University 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 July 01, 2026

University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an University 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.

University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Associate Professor - Architecture $88,400 -10%
College Associate Professor - Biology $79,000 -20%
College Associate Professor - Chemical Engineering $109,400 11%
College Associate Professor - Civil Engineering $106,300 8%

Salary Trends for University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Salaries for an University Assistant 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 University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of University Assistant Professor - 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 University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Here are companies hiring for University Assistant Professor - 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 University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about University Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

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

The salary for University Assistant Professors in Mechanical Engineering typically ranges from $80,950 to $114,610 per year, with a mid-salary of $96,580. These figures reflect the compensation for this academic position, providing a clear overview of potential earnings in the field.

2. Which engineering PhD pays the most?

While top-paying doctoral degrees include Systems Engineering and Economics, a University Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering earns a median salary of approximately $96,580, with a range from $80,950 to $114,610. This positions it competitively among engineering fields, though it may not surpass the highest-paying disciplines.

3. How much do engineering university professors make?

Engineering university professors typically earn between $80,950 and $114,610 annually, with a median salary of $96,580. While some states may offer higher salaries, this range reflects the compensation for University Assistant Professors in Mechanical Engineering.

4. Which university pays highest salary for Assistant Professor?

The salary for an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering typically ranges from $80,950 to $114,610, with a mid-salary of $96,580. While specific universities may offer varying salaries, this range provides a general idea of compensation in the field.

5. How much do assistant professors with Phd make?

Assistant professors with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering typically earn between $80,950 and $114,610 annually, with a median salary of $96,580. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and institution. For example, cities like Sitka, AK, offer competitive salaries around $96,443, while other major cities also provide attractive compensation packages.

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 an Assistant Professor position between $80,950 and $114,610, with a median salary of $96,580. While some cities like Sunnyvale, CA, offer higher salaries, the academic positions typically fall within this range.

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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