What Do Automotive Engineer Do?
Automotive Engineer Job Description 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.
List of Automotive Engineer Job Duties
- Calibrate vehicle systems, including control algorithms or other software systems.
- Develop calibration methodologies, test methodologies, or tools.
- Design vehicles for increased recyclability or use of natural, renewable, or recycled materials in vehicle construction.
- Design control systems or algorithms for purposes such as automotive energy management, emissions management, or increased operational safety or performance.
- Research computerized automotive applications, such as telemetrics, intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, or automatic control.
- Write, review, or maintain engineering documentation.
Featured schools near , edit
Automotive Engineer Required Skills
When polled, Automotive Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Chief Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Customer Quality Engineer
- Automotive Designer
- Technical Services Manager
Is There Job Demand for Automotive Engineers?
In the United States, there were 288,800 jobs for Automotive Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,300 new jobs for Automotive Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 21,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Automotive Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Automotive Engineer Average Salary
Automotive Engineers make between $56,270 and $136,550 a year.

Automotive Engineers who work in District of Columbia, New Mexico, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Automotive Engineers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $90,030 |
Alaska | $128,690 |
Arizona | $98,390 |
Arkansas | $71,730 |
California | $107,370 |
Colorado | $104,220 |
Connecticut | $94,270 |
Delaware | $106,220 |
District of Columbia | $112,780 |
Florida | $87,770 |
Georgia | $84,870 |
Hawaii | $81,730 |
Idaho | $86,010 |
Illinois | $92,030 |
Indiana | $82,510 |
Iowa | $80,530 |
Kansas | $82,210 |
Kentucky | $84,380 |
Louisiana | $101,810 |
Maine | $93,310 |
Maryland | $109,960 |
Massachusetts | $98,190 |
Michigan | $91,100 |
Minnesota | $87,030 |
Mississippi | $85,570 |
Missouri | $85,450 |
Montana | $77,140 |
Nebraska | $80,650 |
Nevada | $88,950 |
New Hampshire | $97,270 |
New Jersey | $95,680 |
New Mexico | $110,210 |
New York | $91,820 |
North Carolina | $87,470 |
North Dakota | $75,770 |
Ohio | $81,020 |
Oklahoma | $88,190 |
Oregon | $85,890 |
Pennsylvania | $85,740 |
Rhode Island | $94,520 |
South Carolina | $93,730 |
South Dakota | $76,220 |
Tennessee | $87,990 |
Texas | $105,570 |
Utah | $88,150 |
Vermont | $94,580 |
Virginia | $100,540 |
Washington | $96,860 |
West Virginia | $84,070 |
Wisconsin | $79,360 |
Wyoming | $84,200 |
What Tools do Automotive Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Automotive Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- Node.js
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- IBM Notes
- Extensible markup language XML
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
How do I Become an Automotive Engineer?
Learn what Automotive Engineer education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Automotive Engineers Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Automotive Engineers employed by various industries.

References:
Image Credit: Michel Villeneuve via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |