It’s the beginning of a new decade, and many people might be looking at this new milestone as an excuse to start a new career. Whether you’re an amateur mechanic that’s looking for a change or a high school student trying to figure out what you’re going to do with your life, 2020 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for car lovers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the automotive industry is expected to grow by 17% through this year, which is faster than the average of all other occupations. For automotive enthusiasts, what are the most in-demand automotive-related jobs for 2020?
(All salary information collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated.)
1. Automotive Repair Technician
First and foremost, there will always be a need for those skilled and knowledgeable enough to repair and maintain everyone else’s daily drivers. You don’t need a degree to become a mechanic or repair technician, though a post-secondary program certificate may be required. Automotive repair technicians can expect to make an average of $40,710 a year, or $19.57 an hour.
2. Detailer
There’s nothing better than a nice clean car, and automotive detailers have the awesome job of keeping those cars clean and sparkly. You’ll learn on the job and there are is no educational requirement to become a detailer. The average hourly wage for automotive detailers is $24,530 a year, or $11.79 per hour.
3. Rental Agent
Whether you’re renting a car for a vacation or need a replacement while yours is in the shop, rental agents are there to help. If you like working with people and cars, and want to find a decent career without worrying about college or a post-secondary program, look for a job as a rental agent. Automotive rental agents can earn upwards of $31,200 a year, or around $14.52 an hour.
4. Tow Truck Driver
If you need a rescue — whether that means a flat tire, a dead battery or a car accident — you call a tow-truck driver. Getting into this industry requires a post-secondary program and a CDL, but you can enjoy an average annual salary of $30,389 a year.
5. Vehicle Inspector
Whether you’re inspecting vehicles for emissions regulations or ensuring that the cargo is safe to transport, vehicle inspectors are a necessary and important part of the automotive industry. It’s also one a lucrative career, with the average inspector earning $73,720 annually, or $35.44 per hour.
6. Automotive Engineer
If you don’t mind heading to college for a bachelor’s degree and enjoy working with technical things, becoming an automotive engineer is a great option.
Engineers are involved in every part of the creation process, from design to manufacturing and even — in some settings — in repair. On average, an automotive engineer can earn $87,370 a year or $42.00 an hour.
7. Electric Car Repair
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular with each passing year, and it takes a specific type of skillset to be able to maintain these vehicles and keep them running smoothly. This field is so new that the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have any specific wage data yet, but on average you can expect to earn around $33,010 a year to repair and maintain electric cars.
Furthermore, the renewable industry is expected to grow by 63% between 2018 and 2028. Considering electric and autonomous vehicles are rapidly developing within BMW and other automakers, a job working with EVs may help further your career and transform the automotive industry.
8. Car Sales
If you love getting to hang out with the newest cars on the market every year, there’s no better career than automotive sales. The median annual salary for a car salesperson is $39,903, though that can vary from state to state and depends on whether you receive an hourly salary, commission, or both.
9. Manufacturing
If you like to get your hands dirty but prefer putting this together rather than fixing them, automotive manufacturing can be a great way to get the best of both worlds.
On average, automotive manufacturers can earn upwards of $43,203 annually. This is also usually a unionized position which means you’ve got better benefits and more protection.
10. Car Designer
For those on the more artistic side of the things, becoming an automotive designer might be right up your alley. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, like graphic design or engineering design, but in this field, you can earn upwards of $66,590 a year or $32.01 an hour creating the cars of tomorrow.
Looking Forward
If you love cars but don’t want to get your hands dirty, there are plenty of growing careers that you can take advantage of if 2020 is your year to make a change ad choose a new career.
