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How much does a Automotive Engineer make?

The average salary for a Automotive Engineer is $96,442 per year in the US.

Automotive Engineers design and develop new vehicles and vehicle parts. They work on everything from the engine to the brakes and everything in between. This field offers a range of job opportunities. The salary can vary based on experience and location. According to recent data, the average yearly salary for an Automotive Engineer is $96,442.


The salary range for Automotive Engineers can be quite broad. At the lower end, some engineers earn around $44,000 per year. As experience and skill increase, so does the salary. Experienced engineers can earn upwards of $205,000 annually. Here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles:

  • 10th percentile: $44,000
  • 25th percentile: $58,636
  • 50th percentile: $73,273
  • 75th percentile: $102,545
  • 90th percentile: $131,818
  • 95th percentile: $161,091

View Automotive Engineer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Automotive Engineer?

Looking for an automotive engineer job can lead to some great opportunities in several cities. San Diego, CA, stands out with the highest average salary at $115,956. Greensboro, NC, follows closely, offering an average salary of $91,561. This shows that these locations provide excellent pay for professionals in this field. Each city offers a chance to work in a thriving industry, with competitive compensation packages. Montgomery, AL, and Toledo, OH, also provide solid opportunities, with average salaries of $83,091 and $77,585, respectively. Job seekers have multiple options to consider when aiming for high-paying roles in automotive engineering.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Automotive Engineer jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $115,956 and Toledo, OH with the lowest at $77,585.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $115,956
    In San Diego, auto engineers work in a vibrant tech hub. Companies like General Motors and Tesla lead the industry. The sunny climate and quality of life make it an appealing place to work.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $91,561
    Greensboro offers a strong automotive sector with notable firms such as Volvo and Panasonic. This city combines a lower cost of living with professional growth opportunities, making it ideal for those seeking a balanced career.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Greensboro, NC


  3. Montgomery, AL
    Average Salary: $83,091
    Montgomery has a growing automotive industry with companies like Honda and Hyundai. This city provides a supportive environment for career development. The cost of living is reasonable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Montgomery, AL


  4. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $77,585
    Toledo stands out for its rich automotive history with giants like Jeep and Ford. The community offers a blend of tradition and innovation, perfect for engineers aiming for a stable and rewarding career.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH

What are the best companies a Automotive Engineer can work for?

Top-paying companies for automotive engineers include Qualcomm and Tesla, both known for their innovative technologies. Qualcomm offers an average salary of $160,674, while Tesla provides $144,333. Job seekers can also consider Joby Aviation, which pays around $109,623. These companies offer competitive salaries and chances to work on exciting projects. Other companies worth considering include Advantage Technical and Techskills, which pay $92,925 and $87,154, respectively. Trigo Group offers an average salary of $45,340. Each company brings unique opportunities for automotive engineers to grow and contribute to the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Automotive Engineer jobs, highlighting Qualcomm with the highest at $160,674 and Trigo Group with the lowest at $45,340.
  1. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $160,674
    Qualcomm offers exciting opportunities for Automotive Engineers. They work on cutting-edge technology to improve vehicle connectivity and safety. Qualcomm operates globally with major offices in the USA, China, and India.


  2. Tesla
    Average Salary: $144,333
    At Tesla, Automotive Engineers play a key role in designing and developing electric vehicles. They focus on innovation and sustainability. Tesla has offices in the USA, China, and Europe.


  3. Joby Aviation
    Average Salary: $109,623
    Joby Aviation offers dynamic roles for Automotive Engineers. They work on developing advanced air vehicles. Joby Aviation has operations in the USA, Japan, and Germany.


  4. Advantage Technical
    Average Salary: $92,925
    Advantage Technical provides a stable environment for Automotive Engineers. They focus on the integration of automotive systems. This company operates in the USA, with locations in California and Texas.


  5. Techskills
    Average Salary: $87,154
    Techskills offers opportunities for Automotive Engineers to work on a variety of projects. They focus on enhancing vehicle performance and safety. Techskills operates in the USA, with offices in Michigan and Ohio.


  6. Trigo Group
    Average Salary: $45,340
    Trigo Group provides a range of opportunities for Automotive Engineers. They work on developing automotive components and systems. This company operates in the USA, with locations in Illinois and New York.

How to earn more as a Automotive Engineer?

Automotive Engineers play a key role in developing new vehicles. They can boost their earnings by pursuing several strategies. Each step can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Understanding these strategies can help Automotive Engineers advance their careers.

One important strategy is to gain more experience. Experienced Automotive Engineers often earn higher salaries. They can move into higher-paying positions like senior roles. Getting certifications in specialized areas can also boost earnings. For example, certifications in electric or autonomous vehicle technologies can make an engineer more valuable. Networking with other professionals in the industry can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional groups can help build these connections. Another way to earn more is by advancing education. A master’s degree or Ph.D. can lead to higher-paying jobs. Finally, relocating to areas with higher demand for Automotive Engineers can result in better pay.

Here are five key factors to consider:

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Get specialized certifications
  3. Network with industry professionals
  4. Advance education
  5. Relocate to higher demand areas

Currently 95 Automotive Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Automotive Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Automotive Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Automotive Engineer today.
Position
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Automotive Engineer
95 Job Openings