As of 2019, there were over 278 million vehicles registered in the United States. The high number of vehicles in operation supports a thriving automotive industry that generates over $500 billion annually in salaries for professionals in this field. The automotive field attracts individuals with mechanical skills, problem-solving skills, and customer service skills. You may be interested in the following career options if the idea of working with vehicles every day appeals to you.
Used Car Exporter
Partner with Auto Auction Mall to connect with individuals who want to buy cars in Nigeria. Auto Auction Mall specializes in providing American vehicles to customers in Nigeria. They work with reputable car dealers and the growth of the Nigerian economy has generated high demand from individuals interested in purchasing cars. You can build a business that solely focuses on exporting vehicles, or you can supplement a career as a used car dealer by exporting vehicles to consumers overseas. Indeed reported in 2020 that car salespeople earn an average income of $67,006 annually. Success in this field depends upon good customer service skills and business skills to ensure sales are profitable.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanic
You can prepare for a career as an automotive service technician or mechanic by earning automotive and diesel certifications. You will be required to take ASE certification, which will qualify you to work for automotive repair shops across the country because you will have National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence credentials.
Your training will prepare you to repair and install brakes, improve engine performance, repair electrical issues, and fix problems with the steering and suspension. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicated the median annual salary for these professionals in 2019 was $42,090. Techs and mechanics need good mechanical and problem-solving skills.
Automotive Body and Glass Repairer
Automotive body and glass repairers fix dents in vehicles, replace broken windshields or stop cracks from spreading, and replace damaged parts. Although their focus is on the exterior parts of the vehicle, they may also do some work on the suspension and fix a vehicle’s wheel alignment.
Indeed reports that vehicle body and glass repairers earned an average hourly rate of $19.87 as of 2020. It was also common for these professionals to increase earnings with overtime. Time-management, customer-service, and mechanical skills are essential for these professionals.
Diesel Service Technician or Mechanic
Diesel service technicians and mechanics are equipped to work on vehicles with diesel engines. These trained experts are qualified to work with diesel technology and must have hands-on experience with diesel repair tasks. It’s normal for these experts to earn a certificate or associate’s degree in their field before entering the workforce. Vehicles with diesel engines include cars, trucks, buses and construction vehicles, such as bulldozers and pavers.
Diesel service techs and mechanics may work in mechanical shops or evaluate and repair vehicles on the roadside. Diesel service technicians and mechanics must have excellent mechanical and problem-solving skills. According to the BLS, the 2019 median income for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $48,500.
Auto Engineer
Auto engineers are experts who develop or improve car engines and other parts. They must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology engineering or mechanical engineering. Their work involves developing and testing new designs with the goal of making vehicles operate more efficiently and safely. They need good analytical skills to evaluate existing components and determine how to improve them. They also need creativity to create new parts. The BLS reported these professionals took home median annual incomes of $88,430 in 2019.
Tow Truck Driver
Tow truck drivers spend a lot of time driving vehicles to locations where other vehicles have broken down. They connect vehicles to their tow trucks and haul the vehicles to automotive repair shops, residences, or junkyards. Tow truck drivers may have to wait for the police to complete an accident report in some cases. Their work can be dangerous, because they may need to connect their truck to a vehicle on the side of a highway. They can also work at all hours of the day or night. Indeed indicated the average income for tow truck drivers in 2020 was $64,632.
