Explore This Path

Automotive Engineer

💰 Earn $99K-$160K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 Month Training

📈 9.1% Job Growth

Innovate the future of transportation with cutting-edge vehicle designs.
Shape the automotive industry by enhancing safety and efficiency in vehicles.
Dive into the world of high-tech engineering and solve complex automotive challenges.

What Automotive Engineers DoDevelop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

Conduct or direct system-level automotive testing.
Provide technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel.
Perform failure, variation, or root cause analyses.
Calibrate vehicle systems, including control algorithms or other software systems.
Design or analyze automobile systems in areas such as aerodynamics, alternate fuels, ergonomics, hybrid power, brakes, transmissions, steering, calibration, safety, or diagnostics.

Automotive Engineers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time2 to 4 years

Job Openings18,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$126,370 in California

$102,320 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@unitecnz

@thefemaleengineerleen

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Job security
Receiving recognition

you are skilled in

Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making

Go Deeper: Automotive Engineers Explained

Automotive EngineerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

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