Position
Salary

How much does a Automotive Engineer make?

The average salary for a Automotive Engineer is $95,369 per year in the US.

Automotive engineers design, develop, and test vehicles and their components. This job can be found in car factories, research labs, and tech companies. The average yearly salary for automotive engineers is about $95,000. Salaries can change based on experience, education, and location.

Some automotive engineers start with lower salaries but can earn more as they gain experience. Here is a look at different salary levels:

  • 10% earn $44,000 or less
  • 25% earn between $44,000 and $73,000
  • 50% earn between $73,000 and $102,000
  • 75% earn between $102,000 and $131,000
  • 90% earn between $131,000 and $161,000
  • 95% earn between $161,000 and $190,000
  • 100% earn less than $205,000

View Automotive Engineer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Automotive Engineer?

Automotive engineers find some of the best opportunities in San Diego, California. This city offers the highest average salary for the profession, with engineers earning about $110,163 annually. Additionally, Greensboro, North Carolina, and Montgomery, Alabama, also have strong demand for automotive engineers, though salaries there are slightly lower. Apart from California, job seekers can explore cities like Greensboro, NC, and Montgomery, AL. These locations provide competitive wages, averaging around $91,212 and $83,091, respectively. Both areas benefit from a robust automotive industry, making them attractive for professionals in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Automotive Engineer jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $110,163 and Toledo, OH with the lowest at $77,585.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $110,163
    San Diego offers a vibrant atmosphere for automotive engineers. With companies like General Motors and Qualcomm, professionals find plenty of opportunities. The sunny climate and beautiful beaches make it an attractive place to live and work.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $91,212
    Greensboro has a growing demand for automotive engineers. Key employers include Volvo and BMW. The area's affordability and lower cost of living make it a good place for career growth.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Greensboro, NC


  3. Montgomery, AL
    Average Salary: $83,091
    Montgomery provides a supportive environment for automotive engineers. With major employers like Mercedes-Benz, engineers can find stable and rewarding positions. The cost of living is reasonable, making it a practical choice for professionals.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Montgomery, AL


  4. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $77,585
    In Toledo, automotive engineers benefit from a strong local industry. Companies like Ford and Chrysler offer diverse roles. The area's rich history and lower living costs make it an appealing place to build a career.
    Find Automotive Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH

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

Automotive engineers can find top-paying opportunities at Qualcomm, Tesla, and Ford Motor Company. Qualcomm offers an average salary of around $156,965, while Tesla provides nearly $142,455 per year. Ford Motor Company also stands out with an average salary of about $110,204, making these companies attractive for those in the field. Joby Aviation and Advantage Technical offer competitive pay as well, with average salaries around $113,668 and $92,925, respectively. Techskills and Trigo Group present additional options, with average salaries of approximately $86,808 and $45,189, providing various levels of compensation for automotive engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Automotive Engineer jobs, highlighting Qualcomm with the highest at $156,965 and Trigo Group with the lowest at $45,189.
  1. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $156,965
    Qualcomm offers challenging work as an Automotive Engineer. You can work in locations like San Diego, California and Sunnyvale, California. Qualcomm focuses on advancing technology and creating innovations. Employees work on exciting projects that make a real impact.


  2. Tesla
    Average Salary: $142,455
    Tesla offers dynamic roles for Automotive Engineers. The company operates in Palo Alto, California. At Tesla, you help develop the future of automotive technology. Your work directly impacts the environment and technology. Tesla values creative and forward-thinking engineers.


  3. Joby Aviation
    Average Salary: $113,668
    Joby Aviation looks for talented Automotive Engineers. The company is in Newark, California and New York, New York. Here, you work on groundbreaking electric aircraft. Joby Aviation pushes the boundaries of aviation technology. Your skills help shape the future of transportation.


  4. Ford Motor Company
    Average Salary: $110,204
    Ford Motor Company provides many opportunities for Automotive Engineers. They operate in Dearborn, Michigan and various other locations. At Ford, you work on designing and improving vehicles. The company offers a supportive environment for growth and innovation. Ford is a leader in the automotive industry.


  5. Advantage Technical
    Average Salary: $92,925
    Advantage Technical values Automotive Engineers. This company works in Roseville, California. Here, you get to apply your skills to real-world projects. Advantage Technical focuses on quality and performance. They offer a great place to build your career in automotive engineering.


  6. Techskills
    Average Salary: $86,808
    Techskills offers good opportunities for Automotive Engineers. The company is in Santa Clara, California. Techskills focuses on providing top-notch training and career growth. Employees work on innovative projects that make a difference.


  7. Trigo Group
    Average Salary: $45,189
    Trigo Group provides a variety of roles for Automotive Engineers. They have locations in California and Michigan. At Trigo Group, you get to work on exciting projects. The company values teamwork and development. It is a good place to start or grow your career.

How to earn more as a Automotive Engineer?

Automotive engineers can find multiple ways to increase their earnings. They can boost their skills, expand their experience, and move to higher-paying roles. Each step they take can lead to better job opportunities. By focusing on these areas, they can achieve their financial goals.

Here are five key factors that can help an automotive engineer earn more:

  1. Gain advanced certifications: These can make an engineer more skilled. They show a deep understanding of automotive systems. Employers often pay more for these specialized skills.
  2. Work on innovative projects: Engineers who work on cutting-edge projects can learn a lot. They stay up-to-date with the latest technology. This knowledge can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  3. Pursue leadership roles: Engineers who take on management positions can earn more. They oversee teams and projects. Their experience makes them valuable to employers.
  4. Expand into new areas: Engineers who learn about electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and other new fields can open new job opportunities. These areas often pay higher salaries.
  5. Network with industry professionals: Building connections can lead to better job offers. Attending conferences, joining professional groups, and using social media can help. A strong network can uncover higher-paying jobs.

Currently 101 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
Overview
Automotive Engineer
101 Job Openings