20 Best Paying Jobs in Automotive Aftermarket

One of the best things about securing the best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket is that you don’t have to be 100% involved in vehicles or have a 2–4-year degree before joining the automotive industry.

Regardless of your career, whether you are a marketer, banker, or an engineer; there is always a need for an automotive.

Over a hundred job opportunities have been available for years, most of which are in the automotive sector.

Different job positions are available for both experts and beginners; regardless of your qualification, you can still get one of the high paying jobs in automotive aftermarket.

The automotive aftermarket offers various career opportunities for experts and novices, and there is room for growth in the industry. Having a degree will help you have an edge in the industry but attaining the actual skills and abilities will help you in the long run.

This overview will give you an insight into everything you need to know about the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket.

Is automotive aftermarket a good career path and how does it work?
Do I need a degree in an automotive job?
What are the skills required for an automotive aftermarket?
Why is an automotive career special?
20 best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket
FAQs
Conclusion
References.

Is automotive aftermarket a good career path and how does it work?

Often time we get confused about making the best career decision. Technology made a lot of things easier, and it also includes the automotive aftermarket sector. With the right skills and experience, you’ll be earning more than the yearly average.

Are you curious to know if automotive is a good career path or not? Yes, automotive aftermarket is a good career path. Contrary to other jobs/careers, the automotive industry is promising, and will most likely keep growing in years to come. The automotive aftermarket offers various job opportunities regardless of your degree and experience.

The role of an employee in the automotive industry, cannot be undermined in any way. Various jobs in the industry are useful to humankind; the automotive aftermarket provides services such as repairs, maintenance, designs, sales, developments, and many more. The automotive aftermarket usually focuses on wholesaling, manufacturing, or/and retailing parts for motor vehicles.

Generally, the automotive industry depends largely on technologies/software to function, which means it needs a skilful technician with relevant automotive experience in other to work in this field.

With the increase in new technologies, there are now best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarkets. New job opportunities are made available for individuals looking for a new career path.

In line with the u.s. Department of labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a possibility of increment in employment in the automotive aftermarket industry. Automotive experts can earn up to or more than $71,000 based on their expertise and level in the field.

Do I need a degree in an automotive job?

Yes, you need a degree for the best paying job in an automotive aftermarket job. Not necessarily an automotive degree, but a degree that will be similar in a way to the automotive job you are applying for.

Employees whose degree is focused on engine machinist, marine watercraft repair and maintenance automotive mechanics, motorcycle repair and maintenance, diesel mechanics, airframe mechanics, aircraft maintenance, and other relevant programs will have a higher opportunity of getting the best positions.

The education requirements may differ from one role to another. Most companies require their new employees to have a degree or relevant certifications. Although some companies offer training to their new staff, this will be an incredible opportunity for individuals new to the automotive industry.

What are the skills required for an automotive aftermarket?

The best way to have an edge in a competitive job market such as the automotive aftermarket is by attaining the right set of skills and getting the right qualifications among other things.

The skills and qualifications required for a job in the automotive aftermarket industry may depend on the type of job you are applying for and it’s level. Some companies offer training to their new staff, and you might as well need to get skilled before applying for others.

Why is an automotive career special?

Securing a job in the automotive industry comes with a lot of benefits. They do not limit these benefits to the salaries, but the happiness that comes from you getting to work on your passion. A lot of employers in the automotive industry are usually passionate about cars, trucks, and their maintenance.

Some even get creative by developing parts of these vehicles. Most employees get to work in the administrative sector of this job such as marketing, sales, advertising, and others. Combining your passion and interest in an automotive career will help you achieve the best in this industry.

20 best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket

Here is a list of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket:

#1. Automotive car-body repairer:

Consider this high-paying job if you are interested in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Who is an automotive car-body repairer? As an automotive car body repairer, your duty is to fixed damage car bodies. For some reason, a car might be involved in an accident or cut up in a fire, they will ask you to fix the body and if, necessary, its engines.

To become a successful automotive car-body repairer, you need to earn a high school diploma or a certificate from an automotive trade school.

Average salary: An automotive car-body repairer earns an average of $48,000 annually.

#2. Transportation equipment painter:

One of the high-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket is transportation equipment painting. Their main responsibility is to operate, set up, and inspect instruments that paint vehicles and other means of transportation.

As a transportation equipment painter, they will task you with painting new and old model vehicles. To become a successful transportation equipment painter, you need to earn a high school diploma or earn a certificate from an automotive trade school.

Average salary: A transportation equipment painter earns an average of $47,000 annually.

#3. Automotive service technician:

One of the top paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket is an automotive service technician. The main duty of an automotive service technician is to maintain, service, inspect, and repair vehicles and truck lights.

An automotive service technician detects the problems in a car and looks for the means to fix them. To become a unique automotive service technician, you need to earn a high school diploma, complete a 2 to 4-year apprenticeship, or earn a certificate from an automotive trade school.

Average salary: An automotive service technician earns an average of $43,280 annually.

#4. Automotive service advisor:

One of the top paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is automotive service advisor.

Who is an automotive service advisor? An automotive service advisor has to communicate with clients about their cars/trucks directly; the required adjustments, the problem, and the amount of money required for the services.

As an automotive service advisor, you need excellent communication skills, customer service skills, engineering and mechanical expertise, troubleshooting skills, etc.

To become a successful automotive service advisor, you need to earn a high school diploma, complete a 2 to 4-year apprenticeship, or earn a certificate from an automotive trade school.

Average salary: An automotive service advisor earns an average of $54,728 annually.

#5. Automotive engineer:

If you are interested in the automotive aftermarket industry, consider this high paying job.

Who is an automotive engineer? An automotive engineer is an expert who designs, develops, test, and manufactures vehicles. They tend to interpret and analyze results and data. You need basic technical and problem-solving skills, creativity, presentation, analytical skills, teamwork abilities, and others.

To become a successful automotive engineer, you need to earn a high school diploma, and also earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive, electrical engineering, physics, or a related subject.

Average salary: An automotive engineer earns an average of $80,139 annually.

#6. BMW technician:

One of the most successful paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket is BMW technician. The primary duty of a BMW technician is to service, inspect, repair, and replace old or malfunctioning car parts.

A BMW technician ensures daily check-ups on vehicles, by repairing and maintaining the usual auto and BMW systems and parts.

To become a successful BMW technician, you must have a high school diploma degree and go to vocational, trade, and technical schools.

Average salary: An BMW technician earns an average of $65,424 annually.

#7. Automotive marketer:

One of the most successful paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is an automotive marketer. The primary duty of an automotive marketer is to create marketing strategies and campaigns that will help bring in more customers for the company/firm.

Who is an automotive marketer? They directly deal with the sales of vehicles and their parts.

To become a successful automotive marketer, you need to earn a high school diploma, and complete a 2 to 4-year apprenticeship, or earn a certificate from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Average salary: An automotive marketer earns an average of $65,324 annually.

#8. Diesel service technician and mechanics:

One of the high paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is a diesel service technician and mechanics. The main responsibility of a diesel service technician and mechanics is to converse with clients about their vehicles.

Who are diesel service technicians and mechanics? They are experts who test-drive vehicles, and repair and change malfunctioning parts which may include changing oil.

To become a professional in this job, you need a high school diploma or GED, a 2 to 4-year apprenticeship, or a certificate from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Average salary: A diesel service technician and mechanic earn an average of $44,000 annually.

#9. Emergency vehicle technician:

One of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is emergency vehicle technician. The main responsibility of an emergency vehicle technician is to perform a daily checkup on emergency vehicles.

Who is an emergency vehicle technician? They are professionals who work on equipment and systems essential to emergency motors.

To become an emergency vehicle technician, you must have a 2 to a 4-year apprenticeship or earn a certificate from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Average salary: A diesel service technician and mechanic earn an average of $42,200 annually.

#10. Automotive industrial designer:

This job position is one of the best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket. As an industrial designer, your main responsibility would be creating and designing new vehicles.

Who is an automotive, industrial designer? They are professionals in charge of designing vehicles until they are fashionable and functional. They tend to work with old and new vehicles till they become better.

To become a successful automotive, industrial designer, you must have a 2 to 4-year apprenticeship or earn a certificate from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Average salary: An automotive industrial designer earns an average of $66,000 annually.

#11. Maintenance shop technician:

For individuals with the right set of skills, becoming a maintenance shop technician is one of the best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket.

With this position, you can become your boss. All you need is to have a high school diploma, and/or 2 to 4-year apprenticeship, or earn a certificate from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Your responsibility as a maintenance shop technician would be to diagnose and provide services to a client’s car

Average salary: A maintenance shop technician earns an average of $43,000 annually.

#12. Senior mechanic:

A senior mechanic is one of the best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket.

A senior mechanic is a professional who has more mechanical experience. As a senior mechanic, you should be able to diagnose, design, assess, and repair faulty vehicles, regardless of the model.

To become a senior mechanic, you need years of experience, skills, and the right qualifications, such as certifications.

Average salary: A senior mechanic earns an average of $62,500 annually.

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#13. Assistant mechanic:

This job position is one of the best-paying jobs in automotive aftermarket. As an assistant mechanic, your main responsibility would include assisting the senior mechanic.

Who is an assistant mechanic? They are trained automotive mechanics whose responsibility is to assist senior mechanics. Most assistant mechanics learn more from their bosses till they get to become the boss of their job.

To become a successful assistant, you must be attentive to details and a vocational or automotive trade school.

Average salary: A assistant mechanic earns an average of $32,000 annually.

#14. Mobile electronics installer:

A mobile electronics installer is one of the best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket.

As a mobile electronics installer, you should be able to diagnose, design, install, examine, and repairing of faulty cables in vehicles. They also install important features in cars

To become a mobile electronics installer, you need years of experience, skills, and the right qualifications such as certifications.

Average salary: A mobile electronics installer earns an average of $31,000 annually.

#15. Paint technician:

One of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is paint technician. The main responsibility of a paint technician is to spray pretty paints on vehicles.

A paint technician is an experienced expert who designs and paints vehicles. Their key skills are creativity and attention to detail.

To become a paint technician, you need is to have a high school diploma, 2 to 4-year apprenticeship, or earn a certificate from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Average salary: A paint technician earns an average of $31,000 annually.

#16. Parts analyst:

One of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is parts analyst. The main responsibility of a part analyst develops and maintain car parts.

A parts analyst is in charge of analyzing inventories, maintaining the service part for vehicles, purchasing parts to keep in stock, and providing clients a cost and service summary.

To become a parts analyst, you need years of experience, skills, and the right qualifications such as certifications.

Average salary: A parts analyst earns an average of $34,000 annually.

#17. Automotive vehicle inspector:

An automotive vehicle inspector job is one of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket.

As an automotive vehicle inspector, you will be in charge of inspecting and assessing vehicles for safety and recommending repairs if cars are faulty.

To become an automotive vehicle inspector, you need years of experience, skills, and the right qualifications such as certifications.

Average salary: An automotive vehicle inspector earns an average of $53,000 annually.

#18. Automotive sales manager:

One of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is automotive sales manager. The main responsibility of an automotive sales manager is to develop strategies that would drive up sales.

An automotive sales manager is an automotive professional who helps customers throughout the buying process of vehicles or parts. Sales are important to a company’s growth.

As an automotive sales manager, you should always find ways to achieve increment in the company’s sales goals on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.

Average salary: An automotive sales manager earns an average of $80,000 annually.

#19. Vehicle maintenance technician

A vehicle maintenance technician job position is one of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket.

A vehicle maintenance technician is a trained individual who is specialized in diagnosing and fixing vehicles of all types.

To become a vehicle maintenance technician, you need years of experience, skills, and qualifications from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Average salary: A vehicle maintenance technician earns an average of $43,000 annually.

#20. Lubrication Technician:

One of the best paying jobs in automotive aftermarket is Lubrication Technician.

The main responsibility of a Lubrication Technician is to keep machinery instruments maintained and lubricated.

As a Lubrication Technician, you will be in charge of lubrication, maintenance, and equipment inspection. Most Lubrication Technician keeps details of their inspections and often repair equipment when needed.

To become a Lubrication Technician, you need years of experience, skills, and the right qualifications from an automotive vocational or trade school.

Average salary: A Lubrication Technician earns an average of $41,000 annually.

FAQs

Q1: Can I get a job in the automotive aftermarket?

Answer: Yes. With the basic requirements and skills, you can get the best paying job in the automotive aftermarket.

Q2: Do I need a degree to get a job in the automotive aftermarket?

Answer: Yes. To get a job in the automotive aftermarket, you need a degree depending on the job you’re applying for.

Q3: What skills should I develop to get a job?

Answer: You should endeavor to develop the skills that are needed for the job you’re applying for.

Q4: What is the average salary of an employee in the automotive aftermarket?

Answer: The average salary of an employee in the automotive aftermarket is $50,600.

Q5: Can I get a job in the automotive aftermarket with a high school diploma or a GED?

Answer: Yes. You can

Conclusion

Securing a job in the automotive aftermarket is not as complicated as it might seem from afar. When you develop the right skills and experience, you can easily get the job of your choice in the automotive industry. And that is why we have created a list of best-paying jobs in the automotive aftermarket, hoping that you decide the best one for yourself.

References.

afterschoolafrica.com – Highest paying jobs in automotive
ziprecruiter.com – Highest Paying Auto Parts Jobs
carcareers.org – Highest paying automotive careers

20 Best Paying Jobs in Automotive Aftermarket | 2023

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