6 Inspiring Career Paths To Explore In The Automotive Industry

Is Collision Repair Right for Me? Exploring Your Hidden Talents   

Within the automotive industry as a whole, you might be surprised to learn how many different jobs and roles there are to choose from—from design, production and retailing to collision repair and mechanical. With such an incredible variety of options, there is sure to be a role that you would be not only great at, but that also ties in perfectly with what you like to do and where your talents lie. By deciding on a lifelong path that centers around your interests and passions,  you can look forward to a career in which you will not only flourish professionally, but also that you will always love being a part of.   

So how can you know if the collision repair or automotive industry is a good fit for you? A great place to start is to think about the hands-on experiences you’ve already had in your life up to now—like changing a flat tire on your bicycle, fixing a broken toy, painting your bedroom wall, scanning a computer for viruses, or racing go-karts at the track. Believe it or not, these everyday experiences have already helped you to develop skills that can help you to excel in the collision repair industry.

For example, changing a flat tire or repairing a toy has taught you the basics of disassembly, reassembly, and repair—key tasks for collision repair technicians. Painting a wall in your bedroom? It’s surprisingly similar to the process refinish technicians use to paint vehicles, just with different tools and surfaces. Most likely you have scanned your computer or laptop for viruses, which is much like what diagnostic technicians do when troubleshooting a car’s system to identify and fix problems.

If you have ever worked at a part-time job or two (especially anything automotive-related), the experience you gained would give you a definite advantage working in an autobody repair business—for example, working at a car wash, auto parts store, or gas station, or as a lot attendant, porter, or tire technician. Any job like this will give you a taste of the world of automotive, as well as invaluable, hands-on experience that can set you up for success for a role in the collision repair industry.

As these examples show, don’t underestimate the value of the hands-on experiences you’ve acquired in your life so far. Many of them may have already given you a strong foundation for a rewarding career in the collision repair industry. The next step is simply deciding to pursue it!

A Bright Future Awaits in Collision Repair

Even if you know you’re interested in cars and you’ve got some of the skills and experience to back it up, how can you be confident that this is the right career path to take? What kind of benefits are offered in the collision repair industry?

To start, the automotive industry is massive and includes jobs with many benefits! In terms of employment security, pursuing almost any type of automotive career path is one of the smartest choices you could make. In particular, the collision repair segment continues to grow and adapt, and that growth will not be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, in the United States alone, the collision repair market size is expected to grow from USD 202.02 billion in 2024 to USD 238.74 billion by 2032. And with technicians and mechanics in particular being in such great demand, this is a trend that is sure to continue for many years to come.

When it comes to career options in the automotive industry, and particularly in collision repair, the possibilities are vast. You could become a non-structural or structural technician, diagnostic technician, refinish technician, estimator, production manager, general manager, parts specialist, or mechanical technician. With the rise of electric vehicles, roles like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technicians are also growing rapidly. And these are just a few of the many exciting opportunities available.

Explore the Amazing Diversity of Automotive Career Options

In this blog, we’ll take a look at 6 of the top automotive career paths you may wish to consider, including a detailed description of what each job involves, employer-preferred qualifications, and a sense of the salary you could expect to be making based on recent trends and statistics from reputable sources (like Wrenchway.com and global consulting firm Ducker Carlisle’s recent collision technician survey). We’ll also set out some valuable pointers for those who are ready to launch their automotive career, but are not quite sure where to start.

After reading this, you are sure to have gained a sense of the sheer diversity of automotive industry work that’s out there, as well as the steps you can take to bring your dreams to life and become a part of this challenging, ever-evolving and always exciting field.  

Collision Repair Technician

National Average Salary: $72K-$100K/Year (Based on Experience)

Collision or auto body repair technicians are responsible for fixing frames, dents, windows, wheel alignments and suspension systems on vehicles that have sustained damage due to a crash, adverse weather event, or other calamity. Their job is to restore both the outward appearance and the non-mechanical safety features of a damaged vehicle.

This role demands expertise in a variety of disciplines, as well as in-depth knowledge of advanced equipment and technologies to assist the work. In addition to straightening bent frames, replacing glass, resurfacing and painting, techs may also be required to provide detailed, accurate estimates and have to interact with customers in a reassuring and professional manner. Collision repair technicians must also participate in ongoing training and education to stay up to date on emerging equipment, technologies, and repair techniques. 

Beyond a high school diploma or equivalent education/related experience, there are no formal educational requirements for becoming a collision repair technician. However, many aspiring technicians choose to stack the odds of success in their favor by earning a Career Technical Education (CTE) certificate and/or an industry recognized certification—Automotive Service Excellence is one such example. For those interested in repairing EVs, there are already many specialized training and certification programs offered across the US, with more being added all the time.

Collision Repair Estimator

National Average Salary: $63K+/Year

The role of a collision estimator is very multi-faceted, as they must act as a liaison between customers, insurance companies, parts vendors and other parties. This fast-paced position demands superior attention to detail, as an estimator may be required to oversee as many as 10 to 15 repairs at a time.

To evaluate the damage, the estimator will visually inspect it, use mechanical testing devices, drive the car, and take a detailed history from the customer. They must also be able to identify recent damage compared to the prior wear and tear of the vehicle.

Since the collision estimator is often the first person a customer will meet with, they need to be personable and make a good first impression. Empathy is also an important quality for an estimator to have. It’s safe to assume that customers having their vehicle assessed for damage are not in the best frame of mind, so a little kindness and sympathy can go a long way toward smoothing things overs and helping the customer come to terms with the situation.

Most auto body estimators find work in a variety of businesses, including dealerships, shops, and insurance companies, whereas others choose to work independently. They require a diverse scope of abilities to succeed in their main function of assessing vehicle damage and providing accurate estimates:

• Excellent communication and customer service
• Adept at multitasking and critical thinking
• Strong time and project management skills
• Proficient in record-keeping and administrative tasks

Automotive Trades Instructor

National Average Salary: $53K+/Year

If you’ve got a passion for cars but also like the idea of guiding and supporting students to succeed in this industry, this is the automotive career path for you. Compared to teaching more traditional subjects, it demands a specialized focus and a willingness to constantly stay up to date on emerging technologies, systems and trends.

Some instructors prefer to teach about the basics components of vehicles in general, while others specialize in a specific aspect of classification of vehicle (i.e. combustion engines, suspension, or integrated EV systems). Instruction typically takes place in a shop-style setting, making for a relaxed yet dynamic environment that combines hands-on interactions and demonstrations with the project-based learning, lectures and assessments commonly associated with typical classrooms.

Automotive instructors must have strong mechanical skills and some level of professional experience in automotive systems and/or repair. Depending on their degree of acquired practical experience, a bachelor’s degree, college diploma, and/or a master’s degree in instruction may also be required to secure a teaching position.

Auto Designer

National Average Salary: $68K+/Year

Unlike the automotive engineer who oversees the technical systems inside vehicles (navigation, warning, control and fuel systems), the automotive designer is all about the vehicle’s outward appearance. In addition to being artistic and creative, they must also possess in-depth knowledge around engineering and, ideally, marketing. Not only are designers responsible for the interior and exterior appearance of a new car, they also work hand-in-hand with engineers to manufacture and integrate technological systems in the most efficient and attractive way.

Therefore, although an art school diploma and impressive portfolio might suffice for some employers, the ideal candidate will also hold a bachelors degree in fine arts, industrial design, and/or automotive (transportation) design.

Process Engineer

National Average Salary: $88K+/Year

With a strong emphasis on technology-reliant manufacturing methods, planning, and project management principles, process engineers are responsible for maintaining automated systems and troubleshooting technical issues. In addition to being experts in current automative manufacturing processes, they must also have the creativity and design skills to develop and oversee the rollout of new ones.

Process engineers mostly work independently, but they must also be excellent communicators that can assimilate the input of management, production line workers and manufacturing equipment vendors/suppliers in order to optimize the efficiency of various systems and make adjustments as required.

At minimum, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering field is generally required for an entry-level position, with a master’s degree commonly preferred for more advanced placements.

Vehicle Inspector

National Average Salary: $54K+/year

The role of a vehicle inspector is to make sure vehicle safety standards are met or exceeded.

Inspectors identify potential issues via visual inspection, by driving the car, and/or by connecting electrical testing devices to components to find damaged or incorrect settings. Their examination process may also take into account the vehicle’s emission levels and any customizations that may have been added. Upon completion of their assessment, they summarize their findings in a report so that repairs can be made, after which they re-examine the car to ensure all issues have been rectified.

Vehicle inspector services are in demand by car dealerships, commercial transport operations, auto manufacturers, distributors and retailers, and government agencies. Employers typically require a high school diploma, an aptitude for mechanics, vehicle systems and functions, and knowledge of state-specific licensing, safety requirements and regulations. Most vehicle inspectors have completed a vocational training program in automotive services technology, which typically takes six months to a year.

In profiling these 6 automotive careers, we have barely scratched the surface of available automotive industry work. Depending on your specific talents and preferences, here are some other automotive career paths that you may wish to consider, along with annual income estimates based on current trends:

Auto mechanics: Maintain, diagnose and repair motorized components of vehicles ($65K+)

Car rental agents: Maintain and distribute vehicles to customers for temporary use ($45K+)

Tire technicians: Service, repair and replace car tires to optimize ride and efficiency ($41K+)

Detailers: Clean car interiors, carpets, windows and tires and buff and wax exteriors ($37K+)

Auto electricians: Inspect and repair electronic vehicle systems, circuits and lights ($53K+)

Automotive engineers: Research, develop and design vehicle technical systems ($79K+)

Salespeople: Recommend vehicles and assist customers in purchasing cars ($74K+)

Tow truck drivers: Work on call to transport disabled or damaged vehicles to shops ($53K+)

Quality testing engineers: Test components to ensure proper functionality/safety ($89K+)

Next Steps: Identifying Your Skills, Strengths and Preferences

No matter where your talents lie, there is sure to be a need for them within the massive automotive industry. Whether you consider yourself to be artistic, analytical, mechanically inclined or a people person, the opportunity exists for you to find personal fulfilment, job satisfaction, and a secure income for decades to come.

Perhaps one of these career tracks appeals to you, but you’re concerned you may be lacking in the necessary qualifications. Or maybe you just want to know more about the specific steps you would need to take to embark on the automotive career path of your choice. With that in mind, here’s a step-by-step guide that can help you figure out where to go from here:

Assess Your Strengths and Shortcomings

Figure out where your strengths lie. There are many free online skills assessments available on the internet. You can also ask your friends, family, and past teachers to provide their opinion on what skills you are already good at vs. those you may need to focus on strengthening.

1. Set Goals & Priorities

Based on this feedback and assessment results, identify the skills and areas that you will need to acquire or improve in order to attain your dream job. Use the SMART framework to help you gain a clear picture of the steps you need to accomplish to get where you want to be. That means that each goal you set must be:

Specific:          Clearly state the objective 

Measurable:   Include a way to track and quantify progress 

Achievable:     Set a goal that you can reasonably accomplish 

Relevant:        State why the goal is important 

Time-bound:   Include a specific deadline

Plan your Next Moves

Determine how you should best go about learning the skills you are lacking and/or improving the ones you already have to move yourself closer to your objective. Can you learn what you need to by reading books and watching tutorials? Or will it require more of an effort – i.e. enrolling in courses or workshops, joining online or in-person groups, or seeking out mentors or coaches?

Should you need to enroll in a class or course to upgrade your automotive skills, CREF’s website includes a handy school locator where you can search for vocational and technical schools within a given area. If you are mapping out your future as a high school student, your school guidance or career counsellor will also be able to let you know of courses or non-traditional learning options that might be worth investigating in light of your objectives and specific circumstances.

If finances are a challenge, there are many automotive scholarships that students in need can apply for to assist them to get the education and resources they need to secure their future.  Click here to visit the CREF website’s scholarship information page and learn about some of the various scholarship/tool grant opportunities that are available.

Put the Skills You’ve Learned into Practice

This step is crucial to your success. Whether you volunteer your newly acquired skills for projects or assignments, become an apprentice, or seek out advice from or shadow an expert who is already doing what you want to do, you need to make use of the knowledge you’ve gained in a real-life, practical, hands-on environment. Doing so will improve your confidence and ensure you’re prepared for the day you finally apply and get hired for your ideal occupation!

D. Review & Reflect

Even when you’ve achieved your ultimate goal and are actively doing the work you love, it’s important to take the time to review and reflect on all that you have learned and achieved. To stay happy, healthy and motivated in your lifelong career, you need to regularly celebrate your own milestones and accomplishments. Equally importantly, you must also be willing to look back and learn from any mistakes or missteps you may have made along the way.

An Exciting Time to Become a Part of this Dynamic Industry

Unlike many other industries which remain relatively stagnant, the automotive world is constantly evolving. Thanks to the rapidly-growing landscape of EV systems and other new technologies, innovative and exciting advancements are being rolled out faster and more frequently than ever before. Doing any kind of automotive industry work involves continuous learning to stay at the top of your game, along with many new experiences and growth opportunities to take advantage of.  

As discussed in this article, it’s easier to get started on a rewarding automotive career path than you expect.  Never underestimate the value of the knowledge and experience you’ve already acquired. No matter what kind of jobs you’ve held, and regardless of what you are good at or passionate about, you can easily leverage that knowledge as a springboard into pursuing the automotive career of your choice. Whether that means further education or jumping right into the industry with an entry-level job, there are many exciting options within your reach.

Rather than doing just any old job to make money and support yourself, you’ll be much better off pursuing a career that will feed your heart and soul along with your bank account. Think of your passion for cars as a superpower—a powerful secret weapon that you can activate by setting your sights on one of the countless rewarding careers that exist within the industry, and by putting in the hard work it will take to excel at it. In return, you can look forward to happy and rewarding days ahead—making good money for doing tasks and activities you enjoy, surrounded by like-minded associates that respect and support you.

In chasing this dream, you will have to stay motivated and be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Although there may be some bumps and sharp turns to navigate along the way, you’ll be glad you persevered once you’ve reached your destination.