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Find a Job You Really Want In
The automotive industry offers a range of rewarding careers that combine ease of entry with lucrative salaries. If you have a passion for cars and are exploring career opportunities in this sector, you’ve come to the right place.
This article highlights the highest-paying jobs in the automotive industry, along with the best entry-level positions to kickstart your career.
Key Takeaways:
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Top-paying automotive careers include roles in industrial design and sales management.
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Entry-level automotive jobs that offer good earning potential include positions like tow truck driver and car sales representative.
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From 2021 to 2031, the car sales representative career is projected to grow by 2%, creating approximately 35,400 job opportunities across the U.S.
Best-Paying Automotive Jobs
A career in the automotive industry can be highly rewarding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for American workers is approximately $41,950 in 2023. Below is a list of automotive jobs that surpass this average salary.
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Automotive Body and Glass Repairers
Average Annual Salary: $50,000Automotive body and glass repairers play a crucial role in the automotive aftermarket, addressing repairs ranging from minor windshield cracks to significant structural damage.
While formal training is beneficial, a high school diploma accompanied by on-the-job training is often sufficient for entry into this field.
Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, the auto body repair sector is projected to grow by 6%, adding around 9,800 job opportunities across the U.S.
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Transportation Equipment Painter
Average Annual Salary: $48,000If you have a flair for the artistic side of the automotive field, consider a position as a transportation equipment painter. This role involves painting new vehicles and restoring older models using specialized techniques.
A high school diploma is typically required, and vocational training in automobile painting can be invaluable.
Job Outlook: The transportation equipment painter career is expected to grow by 2%, creating approximately 2,700 job opportunities from 2021 to 2031.
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Industrial Designer
Average Annual Salary: $68,000If car design excites you and you prefer a desk job, a lucrative career as an industrial designer may be ideal. Industrial designers create aesthetically pleasing and functional vehicle designs, including interiors and exteriors.
This position generally requires a bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field.
Job Outlook: The industrial designer career is anticipated to grow by 6%, with approximately 1,800 job opportunities projected from 2021 to 2031.
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Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Average Annual Salary: $48,000Automotive service technicians and mechanics ensure vehicles run smoothly, performing maintenance and complex repairs. A certificate or associate’s degree is typically required, especially for those aspiring to own their own business.
Job Outlook: The automotive service technician career is expected to experience steady demand, with little change projected from 2021 to 2031.
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Sales Manager
Average Annual Salary: $85,000As a sales manager, you can earn a substantial income by setting prices, managing sales strategies, and overseeing dealership sales teams. Strong sales experience is necessary for this role.
Job Outlook: The sales manager career is anticipated to grow by 7%, leading to approximately 27,900 new job opportunities from 2021 to 2031.
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Diesel Technician and Mechanics
Average Annual Salary: $46,000Diesel technicians specialize in larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and their expertise is highly valued. While some skills can be acquired on the job, a certificate or associate’s degree is usually required.
Job Outlook: The diesel technician career is expected to grow by 5%, adding approximately 13,800 job opportunities from 2021 to 2031.
Entry-Level Automotive Jobs
If you’re considering a career in the automotive industry, here are some entry-level positions that can help you gain valuable experience while you pursue further education or certification.
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Mechanic’s Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $28,000Starting as a mechanic’s assistant offers hands-on experience in vehicle repair. This role is ideal for those pursuing a certification or training in auto mechanics.
Job Outlook: The mechanic’s assistant career is projected to grow by 5%, with approximately 13,800 job opportunities expected from 2021 to 2031.
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Vehicle Inspector
Average Annual Salary: $60,000Working as a vehicle inspector provides valuable insights into vehicle maintenance and repair, enhancing your credibility as an automotive mechanic.
Job Outlook: The vehicle inspector career is expected to decline by 18%, with a loss of approximately 100,900 job opportunities from 2021 to 2031.
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Tow Truck Driver
Average Annual Salary: $36,000Driving a tow truck is an excellent entry point into the automotive field. Tow truck drivers gain unique insights into vehicle issues and repair prioritization.
Job Outlook: The tow truck driving career is expected to grow by 5%, with approximately 99,700 job opportunities projected from 2021 to 2031.
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Tire Technician
Average Annual Salary: $43,000Starting as a tire technician can pave the way for a broader understanding of vehicle repair. They handle tire installations, replacements, and maintenance.
Job Outlook: The tire technician career is expected to decline by 1%, resulting in a loss of approximately 6,400 job opportunities from 2021 to 2031.
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Car Sales Representative
Average Annual Salary: $30,000Becoming a car salesperson can provide valuable experience for higher corporate roles such as sales manager or dealership owner.
Job Outlook: The car sales representative career is expected to grow by 2%, with approximately 35,400 job opportunities projected from 2021 to 2031.
Why Work in an Automotive Career
Additionally, the automotive sector offers relative job security, as the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. Cars and trucks will always require maintenance and repair, ensuring a steady need for individuals with automotive expertise.
High-Paying Car Jobs FAQ
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What are the best degrees to work in the automotive industry?
Degrees in automotive engineering technology, either at the associate’s or bachelor’s level, provide a solid foundation for a variety of careers in the automotive field. A bachelor’s degree is often required for research and design roles, while mechanical engineering and industrial design degrees are also valuable.
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What is the highest-paying job in the car industry?
Sales manager roles typically offer the highest salaries in the automotive industry, followed closely by positions like industrial designers and vehicle inspectors.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a career in the automotive industry can be both accessible and financially rewarding. While some positions may require training, many offer on-the-job learning opportunities that allow you to gain skills quickly.
For those passionate about cars, a myriad of career paths awaits you. The roles outlined above are just a starting point. Remember, employers are always on the lookout for enthusiastic candidates, so aligning your career with your interests can set you apart from the competition and enhance your job satisfaction.
- Best Jobs
- Best Environmental Jobs
- Best Remote Jobs
- Best Automotive Careers
- Best Physically Active Jobs
- Best Jobs With Computers
- Best Jobs For Empaths
- Best Delivery Apps To Work For
- Jobs With Best Work Life Balance
- Best Jobs For Digital Nomads
- Best Jobs For Retired Teachers
- Best Part Time Remote Jobs
- Best Online Jobs For Students
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
