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How much does a Automotive Engineer make?

The average salary for a Automotive Engineer is $92,630 per year in the US.

Automotive engineers design and develop vehicles and their engines. They work on everything from the design to the manufacturing process. This job can be very rewarding, both financially and professionally. The average yearly salary for an automotive engineer is around $92,630. This means that, on average, automotive engineers earn a good living.

The salary for automotive engineers can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience and in higher-cost areas often earn more. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $44,000
  • Mid-level: $73,273
  • Senior-level: $131,818
  • Principal-level: $161,091
  • Director-level: $190,364

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What are the highest paying cities for a Automotive Engineer?

Automotive engineers can find some of the best pay in San Diego, California, where the average salary reaches $98,054. Detroit, Michigan, offers a strong average salary of $94,882, making it another top choice for professionals in this field. Greensboro, North Carolina, and Toledo, Ohio, also provide attractive salaries, with averages of $91,212 and $77,383, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Automotive Engineer jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $98,054 and Toledo, OH with the lowest at $77,383.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $98,054
    In San Diego, automotive professionals enjoy a vibrant job market. Companies like Tesla and General Motors offer exciting opportunities. The city's mild climate and beautiful beaches make it a great place to work and live.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Detroit, MI
    Average Salary: $94,882
    Detroit is known as the heart of the automotive industry. Working here means being close to major companies like Ford and General Motors. The city offers a rich history and a strong sense of community for those in the field.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI


  3. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $91,212
    Greensboro provides a growing market for automotive engineers. Companies like Honda and Volvo have a presence here. The city offers a lower cost of living and a welcoming atmosphere for professionals.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Greensboro, NC


  4. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $77,383
    In Toledo, automotive engineers find opportunities with companies like Jeep and General Motors. The city has a strong industrial base and offers a good quality of life. It is a key location for manufacturing and innovation.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH

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

Tesla offers the highest average salary for Automotive Engineers at $141,208. Ford Motor Company follows closely with an average salary of $100,538. Adapt Technology provides a competitive average salary of $92,545 for this role. Kyyba, Advantage Technical, and Techskills also offer attractive salaries, ranging from $89,282 to $86,808. These companies provide excellent opportunities for Automotive Engineers seeking a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Automotive Engineer jobs, highlighting Tesla with the highest at $141,208 and Trigo Group with the lowest at $48,495.
  1. Tesla
    Average Salary: $141,208
    Tesla offers exciting opportunities for Automotive Engineers. They work on cutting-edge electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions. Tesla operates globally, with major locations in the U.S., China, and Europe.


  2. Ford Motor Company
    Average Salary: $100,538
    Ford Motor Company provides a range of roles for Automotive Engineers. They focus on vehicle design, manufacturing, and performance. Ford has facilities across North America, Europe, and South America.


  3. Adapt Technology
    Average Salary: $92,545
    Adapt Technology is a leading firm in automotive engineering. They work on vehicle safety and performance. The company operates in the U.S., with offices in Michigan, California, and Texas.


  4. Kyyba
    Average Salary: $89,282
    Kyyba offers dynamic roles for Automotive Engineers. They focus on vehicle design and manufacturing. The company operates in the U.S., with locations in Michigan and California.


  5. Advantage Technical
    Average Salary: $88,627
    Advantage Technical provides opportunities for Automotive Engineers. They work on vehicle systems and performance. The company operates in the U.S., with offices in Michigan and California.


  6. Techskills
    Average Salary: $86,808
    Techskills offers roles for Automotive Engineers. They focus on vehicle design and manufacturing. The company operates in the U.S., with locations in Michigan and California.


  7. Trigo Group
    Average Salary: $48,495
    Trigo Group provides entry-level opportunities for Automotive Engineers. They work on vehicle systems and performance. The company operates in the U.S., with offices in Michigan and California.

How to earn more as a Automotive Engineer?

Automotive engineers have many opportunities to increase their earnings. They can do so by gaining more experience, specializing in high-demand areas, and enhancing their skills. Each of these factors can lead to higher-paying positions and more job satisfaction.

First, gaining more experience can lead to higher salaries. Engineers who work in the field for several years often earn more than those who are just starting out. Experience allows engineers to tackle more complex projects and take on leadership roles. Second, specializing in areas like electric vehicles or autonomous driving can make an engineer more valuable. These areas are growing fast, and companies are willing to pay more for experts. Third, obtaining certifications can boost an engineer's resume. Certifications in areas like project management or specific engineering tools can show employers that an engineer is committed to their career.

Fourth, networking can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can help engineers meet people who can offer job opportunities. Finally, moving to areas with a higher cost of living can lead to higher salaries. Some cities pay more for engineering jobs because the cost of living is higher. By considering these factors, automotive engineers can find ways to earn more and advance their careers.

Here are five key factors to consider:

  • Experience: More years in the field often lead to higher pay.
  • Specialization: Focus on areas like electric vehicles or autonomous driving.
  • Certifications: Obtain certifications in project management or engineering tools.
  • Networking: Attend conferences and join professional organizations.
  • Location: Consider moving to areas with higher salaries.

Currently 85 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
85 Job Openings