How to become an engineering teacher, postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What engineering teachers, postsecondary do

• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
• Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
• Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Learning Strategies
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning

Is engineering teacher, postsecondary a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 114% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• California $137,280
• Illinois $135,430
• Massachusetts $134,850
• Georgia $131,260
• Delaware $130,730

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.