Automotive Engineers
O*NET 17-2141.02 · SOC 17-2141
Automotive Engineer is a strong career choice. Median pay is $104k a year with +11.2% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 17,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design and test vehicle powertrain components for performance and efficiency.
- →Analyze crash test data to improve automotive structural safety systems.
- →Develop technical specifications for engine or transmission subsystems.
- →Coordinate prototype builds and evaluate results against design targets.
- →Troubleshoot vehicle system failures identified during road or bench testing.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Automotive Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Automotive Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Automotive Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Automotive Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Automotive Engineers is projected to grow 11.2% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Automotive Engineer make?
The median Automotive Engineer earns $104k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Automotive Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Automotive Engineer at 35 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Automotive Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 11.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 17,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Automotive Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Automotive Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Automotive Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Automotive Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes