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Job outlook for automotive engineering technicians in the United States
Are automotive engineering technician jobs in demand?
Automotive engineering technician job and salary trends over time
Automotive engineering technician jobs over time
Automotive engineering technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 88 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 87 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 92 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 91 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 89 | 0.00% |
Average automotive engineering technician salary over time
Automotive engineering technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,712 | $22.46 | +4.7% |
| 2024 | $44,633 | $21.46 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $43,170 | $20.75 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $41,940 | $20.16 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $40,795 | $19.61 | +1.6% |
Automotive engineering technician jobs by state
Most common states for automotive engineering technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 253 | 36% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 297 | 31% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 387 | 29% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,949 | 28% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 293 | 28% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 207 | 28% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 344 | 26% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,357 | 24% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,317 | 24% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 814 | 23% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 718 | 23% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 711 | 23% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 238 | 23% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 174 | 23% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,336 | 22% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 380 | 22% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 129 | 22% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,820 | 21% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 406 | 21% |
| 20 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,112 | 20% |
Most common cities for automotive engineering technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ann Arbor | 1 | 1% | $41,449 |
| 2 | Long Beach | 1 | 0% | $63,521 |
Automotive Engineering Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of automotive engineering technician experts
Weber State University
Caid Kroeger
Associates Degree Coordinator/InstructorWeber State University
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to an Automotive Engineering Technician?
Caid Kroeger: As the automotive industry continues to develop and manufacture EVs and hybrids, technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems, battery management, and electric powertrains will find their skills in great demand. Alongside this, a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, autonomous driving, and lane assist, will be necessary. This evolution in vehicle technology emphasizes the need for technicians to be well-versed in both EV/hybrid technologies and ADAS. Such a combination of diagnostic and analytical skills will be key to thriving in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
What Automotive Engineering Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Caid Kroeger: As the automotive industry continues to develop and manufacture EVs and hybrids, technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems, battery management, and electric powertrains will find their skills in great demand. Alongside this, a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, autonomous driving, and lane assist, will be necessary. This evolution in vehicle technology emphasizes the need for technicians to be well-versed in both EV/hybrid technologies and ADAS. Such a combination of diagnostic and analytical skills will be key to thriving in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
What will help Automotive Engineering Technicians increase their earning potential?
Caid Kroeger: Some advice I can give is embrace learning, work on your soft skills, and develop a strong understanding of electrical systems. With the continuous advancement of technology in the automotive industry, marked by the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and connected car technologies, it is crucial for technicians to embrace continuous learning. Keeping pace with these advancements requires not only additional training and certifications but also a detailed understanding of the increasingly complex electrical systems that modern vehicles rely on. Enhancing electrical knowledge and troubleshooting skills has become more important than ever. Alongside these technical proficiencies, the cultivation of soft skills cannot be recommended enough. Effective communication, adept problem-solving, and superior customer service are essential, especially when it comes to explaining technical issues to customers who may lack technical expertise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Automotive Engineering Technician job market given the pandemic?
Trish Serratore: The biggest trends facing the automotive service repair market are the need to help car owners understand that they still need to service their vehicles, even if they are not driving them as much due to remote working situations.
Smaller shops will have difficulties staying in business due to shutdowns and prior technician furloughs. Finding good technicians in this pandemic is just as complicated as before. Keeping technicians trained and updated will also be a factor in the repair business as shops get used to virtual and distance learning.
New graduates entering the field will need to showcase their credentials (ASE Certifications) and be able to quantify their experience. We are still hearing about a technician shortage, but many shops are still wary of an inexperienced individual.