Automotive Engineering Technicians
Overview
Introduction
Automotive engineering technicians help automotive engineers determine automotive performance and efficiency by conducting tests and studying and collecting data on vehicles and vehicle parts and systems. They may provide assistance in researching and testing the vehicle's engine design, aerodynamics, performance and fuel efficiency, safety features, ergonomics, and more. There are approximately 46,000 automotive engineering technicians employed in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Mechanical engineering technicians, which includes automotive engineering technicians, had median annual earning of $56,250 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned $34,900 or less, and the highest 10 percent earned $85,430 or more.
Salaries for engineers and technicians in the automotive industry vary by employer, sector, location, experience, and specialty of the engineer. For example...
Work Environment
Automotive engineering technicians spend much of their time at manufacturing sites and other work sites. They work with different types of machines and must take safety precautions and follow proper procedures to prevent injury from equipment and exposure to chemicals and toxic materials.
Most automotive engineering technicians work full-time hours, with occasional overtime during weekni...
Outlook
Employment for mechanical engineering technicians, including automotive engineering technicians, is expected to grow by 3 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which is slower than average for all careers. The automotive industry is strongly linked to the state of the U.S. economy, and there are typically more employment opportunities when the economy is strong. There...
