Rewarding Careers in the Automotive Industry

Careers in the automotive industry, which produces and sells self-propelled machines such as cars, buses, and trucks, are the various occupational paths available to job seekers. The automotive industry sectors include automobile design, manufacture, maintenance, customer service, and sales. Consequently, there are occupations that suit a wide variety of worker values, interests, skills, and educational qualifications. Job settings vary with positions being available in car manufacturers, vehicle distributors, new car dealers, repair shops, car parts stores, educational institutions, and insurance companies.

If working in the auto industry interests you, consider the following career options:

Automotive service technician

Average base pay: $37,437 per year

An automotive service technician, or a mechanic, evaluates, repairs, and maintains cars and trucks. For this job, you usually need a postsecondary, professional qualification and an industry certification. Key job duties include:

• Using diagnostic software to identify vehicle problems
• Explaining reasons for vehicle performance issues to clients and recommend repairs
• Implementing repairs in accordance with specifications of manufacturers and clients

Automotive engineer

Average base pay: $72,323 per year

An automotive engineer designs new cars and trucks and revamps existing vehicle designs. To get this job, you need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Key job duties include:

• Developing vehicle transmissions, structures, and engines for new and existing vehicles
• Using CAD software to develop products with a focus on fuel efficiency, safety features, aerodynamics, and performance
• Developing vehicle prototypes, conducting direct system-level testing, and making any necessary improvements

Learn more: How to Write a Cover Letter

Mechanical engineer

Average base pay: $70,964 per year

A mechanical engineer develops parts used in automobiles. You need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a similar field for this occupation. Key job duties include:

• Analyzing failures in equipment and recommending improvements
• Using computer technologies to develop designs of vehicle parts
• Overseeing the manufacturing process of designed vehicle parts

Process engineer

Average base pay: $74,822 per year

A process engineer oversees the production processes of automobiles. To be hired for this occupation, you need a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Additionally, you require a state license. Key job duties include:

• Finding the best production strategies using process simulation software
• Assessing existing workflows, identifying process-based issues, and optimizing production processes
• Monitoring compliance to regulations and standards on safety and quality

Sales manager

Average base pay: $99,299 per year

A sales manager in the automotive industry oversees the vehicle sales process. You can get this job with a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience in a supervisory role. Key job duties include:

• Using customer service skills to resolve conflicts with customers and sales teams
• Managing sales teams by setting sales quotas, analyzing statistics, and assigning territories
• Developing pricing programs that appeal to target consumers

Electrical engineer

Average base pay: $77,946 per year

An electrical engineer develops automobile electric systems and electric motors. An ideal candidate for this job has a bachelor’s degree and industry experience gained through internships or volunteering. Key job duties include:

• Ideating ways in which an automotive can be improved with electrical energy
• Developing and testing electrical products
• Checking and repairing damages to electrical equipment

Learn more: How to Write a Resume

Vehicle parts dealer

Average base pay: $42,983 per year

A vehicle parts dealer provides automotive parts to customers. You usually need a minimum of a high school diploma and industry experience for this job. Key duties include the following:

• Researching consumer demand in vehicle parts
• Procuring vehicle parts from suppliers that address consumer demand
• Complying with regulations on health and safety

Quality control inspector

Average base pay: $52,962 per year

A quality control inspector maintains the quality standards of a company by testing newly built vehicles and discarding ones that are not fit for the purpose. Key job duties include:

• Assessing vehicle performance by conducting various tests
• Using vehicle blueprints and specifications to identify product flaws
• Ensuring vehicles meet company and industry quality standards

Collision estimator

Average base pay: $61,450 per year

A collision estimator, who is also known as an auto estimator, helps a consumer through the process of getting their damaged vehicle repaired. Typically, you need a postsecondary, professional qualification for this job. Key job duties include:

• Assessing vehicle damage and calculating the cost of repair
• Coordinating with the insurance company and sellers of vehicle parts
• Obtaining the parts necessary for the repair
• Ensuring the repair process goes smoothly for vehicle owners

Learn more: Everything a Base Salary Includes

Car detailer

Average base pay: $26,066 per year

A car detailer cleans the exterior and interior of vehicles. You can get this job with a high school diploma. Key job duties include:

• Cleaning cars by hand washing, steaming, deodorizing, or applying shielding paint sealant
• Performing cleaning tasks according to client specifications
• Ensuring vehicles are in optimum condition

Tire technician

Average base pay: $37,339 per year

This professional addresses tire issues in vehicles. To become a tire tech, you need at least a high school diploma and a postsecondary, professional qualification. Key job duties include:

• Installing, repairing, and balancing tires
• Performing roadside assistance and optimizing tires
• Maintaining the efficiency of vehicle tires

Automotive body repairer

Average base pay: $30,787 per year

An automotive body repairer restores the frame of damaged vehicles. You can get hired for this job with a high school diploma and gain the necessary skills while working. However, an increasing number of employers prefer candidates with a professional certification. Key job duties include:

• Evaluating the structural damage of cars and estimating costs
• Removing, repairing, or replacing car parts such as trim, hoods, bumpers, and fenders
• Optimizing repaired surfaces by sanding, priming, and refinishing

Automotive glass repairer

An automotive glass repairer restores the glass-based components of vehicles. You can get this job with a high school diploma, yet an ideal candidate would have an additional automotive glass repairer credential. Job duties include:

• Assessing damaged glass parts, such as windshields and window glass
• Preparing glass for installation of new materials
• Optimizing windshield frames with sealant such as urethane

Heavy vehicle service technician

A heavy vehicle service technician maintains bulky automobiles used in construction and farming. You need at least a high school diploma for this job, but more employers require a postsecondary, professional qualification. Job duties include:

• Traveling to clients and assessing vehicles, using blueprints and operating manuals
• Testing parts such as electrical engines and using computer software to diagnose malfunctions
• Repairing components such as gears, pistons, and bearings

Heavy truck driver

Average base pay: $57,800 per year

A heavy truck driver uses skills in driving, dependability, and time management to transport products from one location to another. You need a high school diploma and professional qualification, such as completing a program at a truck driving school, for this job.

• Traveling across country borders, following traffic laws
• Spending days or weeks on the road and keeping a record of working hours
• Using ropes, chains, blocks, and covers to protect cargo during transport

Learn more: What Is Compensation and How Is It Determined?

Vehicle inspector

Average base pay: $35,750 per year

A vehicle inspector evaluates motor vehicles to ensure they meet state requirements. To get this job, you need at least a high school diploma and a vehicle safety license or certification. Key job duties include:

• Checking vehicles on state highways for compliance with state regulations on emissions
• Investigating damages such as leaks and broken headlights
• Advising drivers whose vehicle fails the inspection
• Assessing mechanical systems in vehicles and making reports to communicate findings to owners, fleet managers, or mechanics

Valet

Average base pay: $21,034 per year

A valet assists guests at restaurants, hotels, or clubs to park their vehicle safely. You need at least a high school diploma, driving license, and driving skills for this position. Key duties include:

• Using customer skills to interact with customers professionally
• Driving different cars to parking lots and back to guests
• Providing prompt service  to customers

Car rental agent

Average base pay: $56,674 per year

A car rental agent assists people who want to rent a vehicle. Usually, a high school diploma and communications skills will suffice for this job. Job duties include:

• Greeting clients when they enter the rental agency, answering their questions in-person or via telephone, and handling complaints
• Using conflict resolutions skills to handle overdue vehicle rentals
• Making sure cars are cleaned and fueled for clients

As discussed, there are many interesting careers in the automotive industry. Take the next step in finding the right one by learning about what employers look for in automotive professionals. Discover companies hiring by location, job title, and industry.