Automotive Engineering Technicians

People in this career spend their days testing experimental equipment and determining if proposed vehicle design changes are practical. They inspect materials, operate mechanized devices, and gather information to solve complex mechanical problems. Using computers and specialized software, they analyze data, monitor processes, and document their findings to share with supervisors and peers.

Success in this field requires a realistic interest area, meaning a preference for hands-on, practical work. Technicians must possess strong skills in reading comprehension, mathematics, physics, and mechanical systems. They need to pay close attention to detail, show caution when operating machinery, and demonstrate dependability. Solving problems requires critical thinking, active listening, and intellectual curiosity to understand how different automotive components interact.

To enter this field, candidates typically need an associate's degree. This career is classified under medium preparation, which means individuals often prepare through vocational training, an associate program, or related hands-on experience.

Students preparing for this career often major in engineering-related technologies and technicians, or mechanical engineering related technologies and technicians. While not always mandatory, obtaining professional credentials can help candidates in the job market. An example of a relevant certification for individuals in this field is the Fundamentals of Engineering - Mechanical, offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

The federal government tracks employment data for this career under the broader category of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians. For this group, the median annual pay was $74,510 in 2025. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $48,400, while the highest 10% earned more than $106,050.

There were 36,190 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 1.3%, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Despite this slow growth rate, the field is expected to generate about 3,100 job openings each year.