The automotive industry is vast and dynamic. It’s a field that offers many diverse, interesting, and rewarding career opportunities for individuals with varied interests in the automotive world.
Whether you are thinking of becoming a car designer or engineer, or you’re looking for a car mechanic job, there are numerous career paths to explore that offer excellent job satisfaction as well as job security.
In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to take a closer look at some of the top careers currently available in the automotive industry.
Automotive Engineer
For those interested in a career as an automotive engineer, this kind of work requires the design, development, and improvement of the various systems in vehicles, including the engine, transmission, and suspension. Automotive engineers also conduct extensive testing to ensure that vehicles meet safety, performance, and emissions standards. These engineers are at the forefront of automotive technology in the vehicle industry.
Being an automotive engineer offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic industry. It’s a field that is challenging yet rewarding, providing many opportunities for professional growth.
Average annual salary: $91,000
Automotive Designer
Automotive designers are responsible for creating the visual appearance of vehicles, including their exterior and interior designs. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and sketches to create innovative and aesthetically pleasing vehicle designs that are functional, safe, and appealing.
Automotive designers also collaborate with other professionals such as engineers, aerodynamicists, and marketing specialists. It is a field that is constantly evolving with changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and environmental considerations.
Automotive design is a specialized field that requires a high level of creativity, skill, and expertise.
Average annual salary: $80,000
Automotive Technician
The job of an automotive technician, (aka a mechanic) is to repair and maintain vehicles of all types, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They use specialized tools and equipment to troubleshoot and fix various mechanical issues. As vehicles continue to evolve with new technologies and advancements, automotive technicians have the chance to continuously update their skills. Automotive technicians can work in repair shops, dealerships, or as independent contractors.
As automotive mechanics are essential in keeping vehicles on the road and in good condition, it means that the demand for this type of skilled worker remains consistently high, offering excellent job security.
Average annual salary: $54,000
Automotive Electrician
Automotive electricians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining the electrical and electronic systems found in vehicles including wiring, lighting, and electronic components. This line of work requires them to diagnose and repair electrical issues, install new electrical systems, or upgrade existing ones. Automotive electricians often work with advanced diagnostic tools and equipment. Those working as automotive electricians continually need to upgrade their skills to meet emerging developments in complex electronic technologies as well as advancements in electric vehicles.
The demand for skilled automotive electricians is increasing as the automotive industry shifts towards electric and hybrid vehicles. With their specialized skills in dealing with electric drivetrains, battery systems, and sophisticated electronic controls, automotive electricians will continue to be in high demand, offering excellent career prospects and job security in a fast-evolving automotive industry.
Average annual salary: $43,875
Automotive Salesperson
Automotive salespeople work in dealerships and are responsible for selling new or used vehicles to customers. They provide information about different vehicles, assist with test drives, negotiate prices, and handle the paperwork related to vehicle sales. Automotive salespeople usually have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to close sales and often build long-term relationships with their customers.
One of the significant benefits of being an automotive salesperson is the potential for commission-based earnings. Automotive sales positions frequently offer commission-based compensation structures, where salespeople earn a percentage of the sales they make. This means that the more vehicles they sell, the higher their earnings. This provides an opportunity to earn a significant income, especially if they excel at selling and building relationships with customers.
Being an automotive salesperson can be a rewarding career if you are outgoing, enjoy working with people, and have a passion for cars (or other types of automotive vehicles).
Average annual salary: $80,000 (This income may fluctuate, depending on the number of sales made and the relevant commission structure).
Automotive Parts Specialist
Automotive parts specialists are responsible for managing and selling aftermarket automotive parts. They need to possess specialized knowledge and expertise in identifying, sourcing, and recommending the right parts for specific vehicles, repairs, or upgrades. Automotive parts specialists have to be clued up on a wide range of vehicle parts, as well as their compatibility with all the different vehicle makes and models.
The automotive parts industry is a critical component of the automotive sector. As such, there are various career opportunities and avenues for advancement. These specialists work in a number of settings, such as automotive parts stores, dealerships, repair shops, or as parts representatives for manufacturers.
Average annual salary: $31,450
Automotive Journalist
Automotive journalists report on the latest news, trends, and developments in the automotive industry. They write articles, reviews, and features for print or online publications, test drive vehicles, and interview industry experts on vehicle performance, design, safety, environmental impact, and other relevant issues, providing a unique perspective to their audience.
Automotive journalists often attend automotive events, product launches, and press previews, where they can get firsthand experience with the latest vehicles, technologies, and industry developments. They also frequently get the chance to test drive new vehicles.
As an automotive journalist, you would need excellent writing skills and in-depth knowledge about the types of vehicles you are writing about in order to provide accurate and engaging content to your readers.
Being an automotive journalist can be a rewarding career if you are passionate about cars, enjoy writing or reporting, and have a curiosity about the latest automotive developments and trends.
Average annual salary: $58,500
Description
The automotive industry is vast and dynamic. It’s a field that offers many diverse, interesting, and rewarding career opportunities. In this article, we look at some of the top careers currently available in the automotive field.