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University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering in the United States is $110,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,864
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,690 to $127,060
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $87,664
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries

An University Associate 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 University Associate 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 University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $122,680.
  • California: $122,220.
  • Massachusetts: $120,590.

Top Paying Cities for University Associate 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: $139,760
  • San Francisco: $138,230
  • Oakland: $135,310

What Skills Can Increase an University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 12.5% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Academic Advising (Mentioned in 2.08% Job Postings): Academic advising is, according to the National Academic Advising Association, "a series of intentional interactions with a curriculum, a pedagogy, and a set of student learning outcomes. Academic advising synthesizes and contextualizes students' educational experiences within the frameworks of their aspirations, abilities and lives to extend learning beyond campus boundaries and timeframes."
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 2.08% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.5%
Academic Advising 2.08%
Computer Science 2.08%
See More Skills

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 Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering's salary.

  • Academic Advising: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Empathy: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 1%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Academic Advising $119,664
8%
Empathy $119,664
8%
Problem Solving $111,908
1%
Get Latest Data

University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

University Associate 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 $114,391. While startup companies pay approximate $97,685.

University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $97,685
Growth Stage 51~500 $103,087
Established 501~5000 $110,714
Enterprise 5000+ $114,391

University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For University Associate Professor - 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, University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$121,880$59.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Associate 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 Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree is between $99,997 and $110,368).

University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.8%
High School 14.3%
Associates 9.5%
Bachelors 14.3%
Masters 9.5%
Doctorate 71.4%
View as Graph

University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an University Associate 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
$98,690
Average $110,800/year
$127,060
$8,224
Average $9,233/month
$10,588
$1,898
Average $2,131/week
$2,443
$47
Average $53/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $127,060 $10,588 $2,443 $61
Average $110,800 $9,233 $2,131 $53
25th Percentile $98,690 $8,224 $1,898 $47

University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering Salary Growth & Career Path

University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Next Role

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

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Professor - Architecture $116,300 5%
College Professor - Biology $101,700 -8%
College Professor - Chemical Engineering $141,100 27%
College Professor - Civil Engineering $140,800 27%

Most common benefits for University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering

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

Common company salaries for University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering

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

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FAQ about University Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering

1. What is the highest salary for an Associate Professor?

The highest salary for an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering is $136,570 per year. This reflects the upper range of salaries in this position, showcasing the potential earnings for experienced professionals in the field.

2. Do university professors make 6 figures?

University professors, particularly in Mechanical Engineering, can earn a competitive salary. The salary range for an Associate Professor in this field is between $92,010 and $136,570, with a mid-salary of $107,080. This indicates that many professors do indeed make six figures, especially as they gain experience and tenure.

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

With a PhD in mechanical engineering, you can expect a salary range as an Associate Professor at a university. The minimum salary is approximately $92,010, the mid-range salary is around $107,080, and the maximum salary can reach up to $136,570. Salaries may vary based on location and experience, with some cities offering higher compensation.

4. Which engineering PhD pays the most?

While top-paying doctoral degrees include Systems Engineering and Economics, an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering earns a median salary of $107,080, with a range from $92,010 to $136,570. This positions it competitively among engineering fields, though it may not surpass the highest-paying disciplines.

5. How much does an associate professor at Harvard earn?

An associate professor in Mechanical Engineering at Harvard typically earns between $92,010 and $136,570 annually, with a mid-salary of around $107,080. This reflects a competitive salary range within the academic field, aligning with the institution's reputation and the expertise required for the role.

6. 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 range, with minimum salaries around $92,010, mid-range salaries at $107,080, and maximum salaries reaching $136,570.

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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