Automotive Engineers
Overview
Introduction
Automotive engineers are employed by car and truck manufacturers as well as parts suppliers to design and build entire vehicles or individual parts or systems. They may work on the vehicles engine design, aerodynamics, performance and fuel efficiency, safety features, ergonomics, and more. Approximately 13,300 engineers are employed in the motor vehicle manufacturing sector in the United States, while others work for companies that provide services to this sector.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported the following average salaries for engineers (by specialty) who worked in motor vehicle manufacturing:
- electrical and electronics: $120,200
- mechanical: $114,030
- materials: $111,290
- industrial: $106,850
- health and safety: $96,480
Salaries for automotive engineers ranged from $59,000 ...
Work Environment
Automotive engineers do the majority of their work inside an office. They often are assisted by clerical support staff or research and technical staff members located in offices nearby. Many times, automotive engineers are required to spend at least part of their time on a specific work site. They may find themselves at manufacturing sites or on an assembly line to work on special projects, or ...
Outlook
Overall employment for engineers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL reports the following employment outlooks for engineers in motor vehicle manufacturing through 2032:
- industrial engineers: +16.2 percent
- mechanical engineers: +15.2 percent
- electrical and elec...