Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

O*NET 25-1032.00 · SOC 25-1032

Engineering Teacher is a solid career choice. Median pay is $109k a year with +7.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 3,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+7.8%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$109k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
4k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 5
Extensive preparation needed (graduate degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Teach undergraduate courses in electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering
  • →Supervise student laboratory experiments and engineering design projects
  • →Publish research findings in peer-reviewed engineering journals
  • →Mentor graduate students completing engineering theses or dissertations
  • →Update course content to reflect current industry engineering standards

Education & How to Get In

🔬
Job Zone 5
Extensive preparation needed (graduate degree)

Engineering Teacher roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.

Get Started Learning

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Engineering Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningTeach undergraduate courses in electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering
MiddaySupervise student laboratory experiments and engineering design projects
AfternoonPublish research findings in peer-reviewed engineering journals

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Social (Helpers)5.8
Investigative (Thinkers)5.4
Realistic (Doers)4.8
Conventional (Organizers)3.4
Artistic (Creators)3.2
Enterprising (Persuaders)2.0

Who Thrives as Engineering Teacher?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISFJThe ProtectorINFJThe AdvocateISTPThe CraftspersonENTJThe Commander

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Engineering Teacher Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to grow 7.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

26/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·28% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does an Engineering Teacher make?

The median Engineering Teacher earns $109k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Engineering Teacher jobs?

Our model puts Engineering Teacher at 26 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 28% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Engineering Teacher a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 7.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 3,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be an Engineering Teacher?

Engineering Teacher roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.

How long does it take to become an Engineering Teacher?

Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is an Engineering Teacher career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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