As the automotive industry continues to evolve, many may wonder if a career in auto manufacturing is a wise choice in 2023. While the industry has challenges and changes, there are opportunities for those willing to adapt and grow.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of auto manufacturing and discuss why it may still be a great career path for those interested.
Table of contents
What Is The Auto Manufacturing Industry?
The auto manufacturing industry is concerned with producing motor vehicles such as cars and trucks. While people in this area frequently build entire automobiles, they may also supervise the production of specialized components such as engines and bodywork.
Automobile manufacturers typically optimize production methods to cut costs while maintaining product quality. Their goal is to improve not just the performance and efficiency of a vehicle. Still, also its safety. Job duties in this field can range from supervising assembly lines and managing quality assurance programs to selling finished goods.
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Is Auto Manufacturing A Good Career Path?
Auto manufacturing can be a good career path for individuals interested in the field and with the necessary skills and qualifications.
The industry provides excellent chances for career advancement and growth in scale and scope. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, auto manufacturing jobs are in high demand and pay well—the average annual wage is $77. BLS further predicts that the job growth in this industry will be 14% between 2016 and 2026.
Auto manufacturing is an amazing career path for those who want to work with their hands and enjoy seeing their designs come together through a process they understand intimately: designing, constructing, testing, and selling cars or trucks made from steel parts stamped out by machines operated by people like themselves.
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What Are The Benefits Of Working In An Auto Manufacturing Industry?
Let’s take a look at a few benefits of pursuing a career in auto manufacturing:
1. Job stability
Auto manufacturing is a steady industry, as vehicles are always demanded. This industry offers various career paths, making it a desirable field for individuals with different backgrounds. Those working in the auto manufacturing industry can research different positions to find the one that suits their qualifications and interests. Aside from assembling cars, you could obtain a role in sales, service, administration or management.
2. Good earning potential
Auto manufacturing jobs can provide good salaries, especially for those who have specialized skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for all motor vehicle manufacturing occupations is $59,970 annually. This figure is slightly higher than the national average of $58,260 per year for all occupations, allowing individuals in this industry to have a normal earning potential. It is important to note that salaries differ depending on your employment and geographic area. You might consider completing training programs or earning the necessary certifications to make more money in the auto manufacturing industry.
3. Advancement opportunities
The auto manufacturing industry is relatively accessible because of the few barriers to entry for certain positions. For instance, many technician positions accept candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent credential. You can obtain on-the-job training in these entry-level positions to prepare for future roles. With the right experience, you can rise to the position of quality assurance inspector or plant supervisor roles.
While your auto manufacturing career can be long-term, it’s worth noting that your experience is transferable to other industries. This flexibility helps you experience positive professional development and ensure your career goals align with your interests. For instance, imagine that you work as a quality assurance specialist for an auto manufacturer. If you no longer want to work with cars, you might apply to be a quality assurance specialist for an employer in a different industry. The new employer would likely be interested in your skills and deem you a competitive candidate during the hiring process.
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4. New openings
While many sectors of the auto manufacturing business may see little to no job growth between 2021 and 2031, the BLS anticipates 73,300 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year. Its expansion could be due to replacing staff who transfer to other industries or retire.
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers have a slightly higher employment growth rate of 4% than automotive service technicians and mechanics. If you’re applying for competitive employment, try distinguishing yourself from other candidates by emphasizing your automotive-related training, certifications, and work experience.
5. Job fulfilment
Many employees in the auto manufacturing business have rewarding professions because they may use abilities such as creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving daily. People who are passionate about automobiles frequently appreciate that the tangible manifestations of their effort are automobiles.
Furthermore, working in auto production can be rewarding because it allows you to experience and contribute to fast-changing technologies. You may develop artificial intelligence algorithms to provide additional convenience to customers while prioritizing their safety. Working with electric vehicles allows you to create technologies that assist in conserving the environment while still producing high-performance vehicles.
10 Highest Paying Jobs In Auto Manufacturing Industry
These are the best-paying jobs in Auto Manufacturing.
- Dealership General Manager
- Used Car Manager
- Powertrain Engineer
- Automotive Designer
- Automobile General Manager
- Dimensional Engineer
- Diesel Engineer
- Production Supervisor
- Coordinate Measuring Machine Technician
- Automotive Sales Representative
1. Dealership General Manager
Average Salary: $52,000 to $167,000
Dealership general managers oversee the activities of other units within the dealership. This is similar to what automotive sales managers do.
Dealership General Managers also sell automobiles, recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and other outdoor vehicles. They even sell heavy machinery.
A dealership general manager’s responsibilities include setting sales targets for the sales staff, preparing and supervising the business budget, and approving financing department agreements.
They manage inventories, oversee the dealership’s purchasing processes, and devise strategies to increase sales and profitability.
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2. Used Car Manager
Annual Salary: $100,000 to $145,500
A used car manager oversees the dealership’s used car section. They manage automotive inventories, sales, and marketing and determine the cost of each vehicle.
You spend time negotiating with wholesale and retail buyers and acquiring high-quality used automobiles for your inventory.
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A used car manager also has to communicate with professionals in the financial services sector while managing auto sales to assist in arranging loans and financing for your clients.
3. Powertrain Engineer
Payscale: $69,000-$95,000 annually
A powertrain engineer creates vehicles in the automotive sector, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks.
The Engineer concentrates on the powertrain aesthetics, technical performance, and the electronics and software found in today’s cars.
You will be required to estimate project costs and schedules, build prototypes and run tests, evaluate data, locate high-quality materials, and examine component possibilities as part of your job. You will answer client questions and demands.
4. Dimensional Engineer
Annual Salary: $75,500-$93,500
A dimensional engineer uses data analysis to assist in designing new or updated production processes in the manufacturing sector, particularly the automotive industry.
One of the main duties of a dimensional engineer is to design parts for the assembly process.
Your everyday tasks include data analysis, problem-solving for the manufacturing process, and case study documentation.
Additionally, statistical reporting and planning using simulation tools are possible tasks for the dimensional Engineer.
This is one of the best-paying jobs in auto manufacturing.
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5. Diesel Engineer
Salary: $60,000-$93,500
A diesel engineer inspects, maintains, and repairs diesel engines. He runs engine diagnostics and machine inspections to determine what needs to be serviced on the vehicle.
To become a diesel engineer, you must have a profound grasp of the diesel electrical system.
Additionally, you must have customer service skills and a degree in engineering and repair experience. This will be helpful when describing a repair to a customer.
6. Production Supervisor
Average annual Salary: $64,000
The production supervisor is in charge of building the parts or vehicles that go into creating a finished product on a particular production line.
These professionals also run a specific production area while monitoring the needs for quality, cost, delivery, technical, and safety standards.
This is one of the best-paying jobs in auto manufacturing, with an annual average salary of $64,000.
7. Coordinate Measuring Machine Technician
Salary: $64,000
CMM, the short form for Coordinate measuring machine technicians, runs CMM programs to ensure the exact measurements of parts are taken apart or welded together.
These technicians must know how to interpret the customer’s computer-aided design data or blueprints and perform dimensional studies.
The average salary of this job is $64,000.
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8. Automotive Sales Representative
Salary: $40,000-$80,000 per year
A dealership manager hires an automotive sales consultant to help him sell cars to customers.
An automotive salesperson or consultant’s job is not physically demanding. It is great for people who appreciate working with cars but do not want to be engaged in their production.
But, you will need to know so much about cars and grasp the inner workings of the cars you’ll be selling. You also require great customer service and sales skills, such as presenting the advantages of autos to customers.
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You will need to understand customers’ needs by talking with them. This can also be achieved by profiling.
The qualifications of a sales consultant include having a sales strategy, a degree in marketing, and other sales certifications.
You need to learn how to become a car salesman.
9. Collision Center Manager
Salary: $65,500-$93,000
A collision center manager leads and supervises an automotive accident repair center. He ensures sales, financial, and customer satisfaction are achieved.
The collision centre manager examines cars in the auto shop that have been in an accident and estimates the cost of the replacement parts and the labour required to fix the vehicle.
If many cars are in the center, the manager will write a work plan to ensure a smooth workflow. He will assign duties and supervise the various departments that will do the job and meet the customer’s deadline by estimating repair time and accurately communicating that to the customer.
10. Auto Body Shop Manager and Repair Specialist
Salary: $56,000-$88,500
An auto body repair professional works on car bodies. After an accident, they repair the outside of the vehicle.
The auto body shop manager oversees all vehicle body repair work. They check consumer insurance coverage to ensure that they cover repair charges. This repair fee includes any work done in the shop and purchases.
Additionally, they provide personnel training to assure high-quality repairs; each operation should return the car to its pre-accident form.
The auto body shop manager may also evaluate each car to ensure the repair satisfies client expectations and shop standards.
What Do I Need To Secure A Job In Auto Manufacturing Industry?
There are several prerequisites for jobs in the auto industry. You might need to finish an associate’s degree program or a training course to work as a technician.
In any position, you should know the tools used in vehicle manufacture, have good communication skills and understand how cars and trucks are assembled.
Typically, manufacturing technicians can find employment that includes on-the-job training to help them advance their careers.
Supervisors and quality assurance inspectors must have experience working in an auto manufacturing facility.
To operate as an engineer in the auto manufacturing sector, you must possess advanced education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
FAQs On Auto Manufacturing Industry
Some challenges facing the auto manufacturing industry include increasing competition, changes in consumer preferences, stricter emission regulations, and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in engineering and technology.
Technology has significantly impacted the auto manufacturing industry, from the design and production of vehicles to their features and performance. Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, have made it possible to produce cars with greater precision, efficiency, and quality. Additionally, advancements in electric vehicle technology and autonomous driving have transformed the industry, paving the way for more sustainable and safer vehicles.
Some of the leading auto manufacturers worldwide include Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai.
Conclusion
While the automotive industry may face some challenges in the coming years, there are still many reasons why auto manufacturing can be a great career path in 2023. With technological advancements and growing demand for eco-friendly and electric vehicles, new opportunities will exist for those willing to embrace change and learn new skills. By staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and continuing to develop your skills and expertise, you can position yourself for a successful and fulfilling career in auto manufacturing.
References
- indeed.com – Is Auto Manufacturing a Good Career Path? Plus 16 Jobs
- repairdost.com – Is Auto Manufacturing a Good Career Path?
- openeducationonline.com – Is Automotive Aftermarket a Good Career Path?
- kiiky.com – 15 Best Paying Jobs in Auto Manufacturing in 2023
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