The automotive industry is growing rapidly, and this includes careers in many different areas. Production, maintenance, and retailing are just a few of the fields you can work in within the industry. Because of the consistent growth, you’ll find there’s no shortage of jobs and salaries are very competitive. If you’ve ever had a knack or an interest in automotives, now might be the perfect time to learn more about it. Here are three of the biggest reasons why.
Career diversity
Anyone in the automotive industry can tell you that there are a wide range of opportunities one can pursue in this field. You’re able to use almost any skills you have to enhance your career. For example, if you enjoy the workings of diesel engines, you might enjoy farm equipment repair. If you’re more into the aesthetics of cars, on the other hand, you might choose a career in body work in addition to or instead of mechanics.
The great thing about the automotive industry is that you’re never stuck in a job you don’t want. Some other possibilities include parts professionals, service technicians, mechanical engineers, sales, and machinists. You can increase your skills and knowledge and move on to different areas. With this training, you can even make a great living being self-employed. Because this industry is so diverse, your job possibilities are practically endless.
Fast track to employment
A career in the automotive industry is a popular choice for non-traditional students because it allows them to join the workforce fast. By attending automotive and diesel repair programs, students can graduate within one or two years with degrees that will actually earn them money. This is important because so many students don’t have time to devote four years to a full-time education, and another year to finding a job. They need to earn a living quickly to take care of their families or just become independent.
Great career outlook
The number of cars manufactured today is staggering. In 2018 alone, more than 70 million were produced worldwide. Considering that the recession period of 2008 only saw 52.84 million cars made, this amount seems to be on the rise. This, coupled with the fact that baby boomers are aging out of the profession, makes the industry promising ground for careers in the field. According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), job growth is around six percent, and there are close to 800,000 jobs in the field. In this economy, that type of job security is extremely appealing.
Technology
The automotive industry is advancing as fast or faster than any other in technology. If you grew up in the most recent generations, you’ve probably got an edge on a lot of people in the field. An interest in technology leads many people to pursue a job in automotives because they want an insider’s view of the future. And according to General Motors, the top 10 jobs of 2025 will be technology-related. Some of those are electrical engineers, web programmers, autonomous driving engineers, and 3D printing engineers.
Salary
The high-earning potential is yet another reason to consider the automotive industry. Your salary will depend on the type of job you have and the company you work for, but most people in this field start out at a minimum of $17 an hour. However, the median salary is usually much more — somewhere around $20 an hour. The highest paid professionals in the field are usually in manufacturing and make closer to $30 an hour. But very skilled professionals in certain areas can make high six figure salaries.
The automotive industry is lucrative and offers many benefits for those who enter it. The three reasons mentioned above are just the start. If you love cars or mechanical work, this may be a field worth considering.
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