If you are passionate about cars and want to make a good living working in the automotive industry, you might be wondering what are some of the best high-paying jobs for people who love cars. In this blog, we will explore different career options that can satisfy your car enthusiasm and provide you with a rewarding income. Whether you are interested in engineering, designing, racing, selling, writing, managing, or owning a car-related business, you have a job. Here are the 10 best high-paying jobs for people who love cars:
Automotive Engineer
- Salary: According to PayScale, the average salary of an automotive engineer in the US is $78,721 per year.
- Description: An automotive engineer is responsible for creating and improving the mechanisms and designs of cars. They use computer software, testing equipment, and prototypes to develop new technologies and features for vehicles. They also work on solving mechanical problems and enhancing the performance, safety, and efficiency of cars.
- Education: To become an automotive engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or a professional license.
Car Designer
- Salary: According to PayScale, the average salary of a car designer in the US is $82,300 per year.
- Description: A car designer is responsible for creating the aesthetic and functional aspects of cars. They use sketches, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and clay models to develop the exterior and interior design of vehicles. They also collaborate with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure that the car design meets the technical specifications, customer preferences, and production requirements.
- Education: To become a car designer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, transportation design, or a related field. Some employers may require a portfolio of your previous work or an internship experience.
Race Car Driver
- Salary: According to Indeed, the average salary of a race car driver in the US is from $58,273 to $187,000 annually. If with hard work and some luck you become a race car driver for NASCAR, that’s over 10 million.
- This is a list of the top race car driver earners according to work.chron.com:
- Dale Earnhardt: $22 million
- Jimmie Johnson: $19.2 million
- Kyle Busch: $14.7 million
- Denny Hamlin: $14.6 million
- Kevin Harvick: $13.6 million
- Brad Keselowski: $11.2 million
- Kasey Kahne: $11.2 million
- Danica Patrick: $10.3 million
- Joey Logano: $10.2 million
- Kyle Larson: $10.1 million
- Martin Truex: $9.9 million
- Matt Kenseth: $9.0 million
- Description: A race car driver is responsible for driving a race car at high speeds around a track or course. They compete against other drivers to be the first to cross the finish line. They also practice regularly, maintain their physical fitness, and work with their team and sponsors to improve their car performance and strategy.
- Education: To become a race car driver, you typically need to start at an early age. You also need to obtain a racing license from a reputable organization such as NASCAR or F1. You would need multiple years of experience driving competitively. Additionally, you need to have excellent driving skills, reflexes, stamina, and courage.
Automotive Sales Manager
- Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an automotive sales manager in the US is $147,219 per year.
- Description: An automotive sales manager is responsible for overseeing the sales operations of a car dealership or company. They set sales goals and quotas, train and motivate sales staff, monitor sales performance and customer satisfaction, and handle customer complaints and issues. They also manage inventory, pricing, promotions, and contracts.
- Education: To become an automotive sales manager, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and several years of experience in car sales. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field.
Automotive Journalist
- Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an automotive journalist in the US is $94,870 per year.
- Description: An automotive journalist is responsible for writing articles, reviews, blogs, or books about cars and the automotive industry. They research topics, interview sources, test drive cars, attend events, and produce engaging content for various media outlets. They also keep up with the latest trends and developments in the car world.
- Education: To become an automotive journalist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a related field. You also need to have excellent writing skills, car knowledge, and a passion for cars.
Auto Show Manager
- Salary: According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary of an auto show manager in the US is $80,123 per year.
- Description: An auto show manager is responsible for planning and organizing auto shows or exhibitions. They coordinate with vendors, sponsors, exhibitors, media partners, and staff to ensure that the event runs smoothly and successfully. They also manage budgets, schedules, logistics, marketing campaigns, and customer service.
- Education: To become an auto show manager, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in event management, marketing, or a related field. You also need to have experience in organizing events, especially auto shows, and strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Car Dealer Owner
- Salary: According to Comparably, the average salary of a car dealer owner in the US is from $97,790 to $220,000 per year.
- Description: A car dealer owner is responsible for owning and operating a car dealership or company. They buy and sell new or used cars, negotiate deals, manage finances, hire and train staff, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They also develop strategies to increase sales, customer loyalty, and profitability.
- Education: To become a car dealer owner, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and several years of experience in the car industry. You also need to have a dealer license, a business plan, a location, and sufficient capital.
Automotive Product Manager
- Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an automotive product manager in the US is $193,341 per year.
- Description: An automotive product manager is responsible for managing the development and launch of new or existing car products or features. They conduct market research, define product vision and strategy, prioritize requirements, collaborate with engineers and designers, and oversee testing and feedback. They also measure product performance, analyze user behavior, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Education: To become an automotive product manager, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, or a related field. You also need to have experience in product management, project management, and the automotive industry.
Car Rental Agency Manager
- Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a car rental agency manager in the US is $66,971 per year.
- Description: A car rental agency manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of a car rental agency or branch. They supervise staff, handle customer inquiries and reservations, maintain fleet quality and availability, monitor revenue and expenses, and ensure customer satisfaction. They also implement policies and procedures, resolve issues and complaints, and promote sales and marketing initiatives.
- Education: To become a car rental agency manager, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and several years of experience in the car rental industry. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality, or a related field.
There are many high-paying jobs for people who love cars that can suit different interests, skills, and qualifications. Whether you want to design, engineer, race, sell, write about, manage, or own cars, there is a career path for you. We hope this blog has given you some insights into the best high-paying jobs for people who love cars and how to pursue them.