Automotive Engineers
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
Develop 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.
Median pay: $104,110/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +9.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.
About 18,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
• Prepare or present technical or project status reports.
• Conduct research studies to develop new concepts in the field of automotive engineering.
• Establish production or quality control standards.
What's the median pay for Automotive Engineers?
The median pay for Automotive Engineers is $104,110 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Automotive Engineers?
Employment for Automotive Engineers is projected to change +9.1% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.
What education is typically required for Automotive Engineers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Automotive Engineers?
About 18,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.