Engineering Professor

Your Fit

Income

$106K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

9.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Engineering Professor?

An Engineering Professor is an academic expert who teaches various engineering disciplines at the college or university level. They are responsible for instructing students, conducting research, and contributing to academic scholarship in the field of engineering.

Sample job titles:

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Instructor, Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Engineering Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Engineering Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$60K per year	$80K per year	$106K per year	$136K per year	$201K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $57K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Engineering Professor do?

Work environment

Engineering Professors typically work in academic settings such as universities and colleges. Their work environment includes classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities. They may also spend time in offices for planning lectures, grading, and conducting research.

Quick task list

Designs and delivers lectures and coursework in engineering.
Conducts research and publishes findings in academic journals.
Supervises and mentors undergraduate and graduate students.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to university governance.
Stays up to date with current developments in engineering and incorporates them into teaching and research.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Mechanical Engineering: Specializing in mechanics, materials science, and thermodynamics.
Electrical Engineering: Focusing on electronics, signal processing, and telecommunications.
Civil Engineering: Concentrating on infrastructure, environmental engineering, and construction.
Chemical Engineering: Dealing with chemical production, process engineering, and material science.
Computer Engineering: Specializing in computing systems, software engineering, and network architecture.

Description

Engineering Professors are pivotal in shaping future engineers. They combine deep technical knowledge with teaching skills to educate students in complex engineering principles and practices. Alongside teaching, they engage in research, often working on innovative projects that contribute to advancements in engineering. This dual role of educator and researcher requires them to stay at the forefront of technological developments and educational methodologies.

Being an Engineering Professor involves more than imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring a new generation of engineers to think critically and solve real-world problems. They guide students through hands-on projects, lab work, and theoretical study, preparing them for careers in various engineering fields.

This career offers the satisfaction of contributing to the technological advancements of society through education and research. Engineering Professors have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and travel for conferences and academic events.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Mentoring and influencing the next generation of engineers.
Engaging in groundbreaking research and academic scholarship.
Intellectual stimulation and continuous learning in a dynamic field.
Recognition and respect in the academic and engineering communities.

You might make a good Engineering Professor if you are...

Passionate about engineering and technology.
Skilled in both theoretical and applied aspects of engineering.
A strong communicator, able to explain complex concepts clearly.
Interested in academic research and scholarship.
Committed to the educational and professional development of students.

Pros:

Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
Engaging in innovative research and collaborations.
Autonomy in teaching methods and research focus.

Cons:

The competitive and challenging nature of academia.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with research and administrative duties.
Pressure to publish and secure funding for research projects.

How to become an Engineering Professor

Typical education

To become an Engineering Professor, one usually needs a Ph.D. in an engineering discipline, which can take about 4-7 years after completing a bachelor's degree. Some positions, especially at community colleges, might accept candidates with a master's degree in engineering.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced mathematics and science courses to build a strong foundational knowledge.
Engineering or technology electives, if available, to gain early exposure.
Communication and writing courses to develop effective teaching and research skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in science fairs, engineering clubs, or robotics teams.
Internships or summer programs related to engineering.
Volunteering in community projects that involve technical skills and problem-solving.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
Engage in research projects and internships during undergraduate studies.
Earn a master's and Ph.D. in engineering, focusing on a specific area of specialization.
Gain teaching experience through graduate teaching assistantships or similar roles.
Publish research in academic journals and present at conferences.

More resources

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - Offers resources and support for engineering educators.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - Provides professional development and research resources in electrical engineering.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - A platform for civil engineering professionals, including educators.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) - Offers resources and support for promoting women in engineering, including in academia.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.