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Automotive Design Salary information

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$50.5K

$73.4K

$91.5K

How much do automotive design salary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design salary in the United States is $73,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for an automotive designer?

The average salary for an automotive designer varies depending on experience, location, and employer. In the United States, entry-level automotive designers can expect to earn around $55,000 to $70,000 per year, while experienced designers may earn upwards of $100,000 annually. Salaries may be higher in regions with a strong automotive industry presence or for those with specialized skills and advanced degrees. Additionally, large automotive manufacturers often offer more competitive compensation packages. Overall, the field offers competitive pay and opportunities for growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive designer?

To thrive as an Automotive Designer, you need a strong background in industrial or transportation design, proficiency in 3D modeling, and often a relevant degree such as a Bachelor’s in Industrial Design or Automotive Engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (like Autodesk Alias, CATIA, or SolidWorks), sketching tools, and digital rendering systems is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and marketing teams set outstanding designers apart. These skills are essential to create innovative, functional, and marketable vehicle designs that align with safety, performance, and brand standards.

What are the common career progression opportunities for professionals in automotive design?

In automotive design, professionals often start as junior or associate designers, working under the guidance of experienced team members. With experience, they can advance to roles such as senior designer, lead designer, or design manager, where they oversee projects or teams. Some may specialize further in areas like exterior, interior, or concept design, and others may move into related roles in product strategy or design research. Career progression is typically supported by building a strong portfolio, staying current with industry trends, and developing collaborative skills to work effectively with engineering and marketing teams.

What is the difference between Automotive Design Salary vs Automotive Engineering Salary?

AspectAutomotive Design SalaryAutomotive Engineering Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Automotive Design, Industrial Design, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD labs, creative officesResearch labs, manufacturing plants, testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, design firmsAutomotive manufacturers, engineering consultancies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Automotive Design and Automotive Engineering salaries are related but differ in focus. Automotive designers primarily work on the aesthetics and user experience of vehicles, requiring creative and design skills. Automotive engineers focus on the technical and functional aspects, emphasizing engineering principles. Both roles are vital in the automotive industry, but their salary differences reflect their distinct responsibilities and skill sets.

How hard is it to get a job in automotive design?

Securing a job in automotive design can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in industrial design, automotive engineering, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio showcasing design skills. Experience with CAD software and knowledge of automotive trends can improve chances, but entry may be challenging without internships or industry connections.
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Automotive Design Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,374 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

2027 Product Design Office (PDO) - Auto Design Internship

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Posted 2 days ago

New

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 45 rated automakers

Job description

This internship will follow an in-person model. Interns will be based at the Stellantis Headquarters and Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Relocation assistance may be available for candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria. The internship program is scheduled to run from May through August 2027.
STELLANTIS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
The Stellantis Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated, innovative, and inspired individuals to work on challenging assignments where contribution, teamwork and communication are vital to the success of the organization. As a leading-edge company, we provide real world challenges and rewarding intern experiences to candidates from a variety of colleges and universities while providing a competitive salary.
Interns will be assigned to a department based on the candidate's background and skill set. The assignments are project-oriented, meaningful to the department and allow the intern to provide valuable contributions. Interns experience a sense of personal accomplishment and learn about the corporate business culture through work assignments, structured activities, and exclusive intern networking events. Interns that demonstrate outstanding qualities may be invited back for a return internship or may be considered for full-time positions.
Internship Benefits:
  • Exposure to cutting-edge projects and technologies
  • Collaborative work environment
  • Mentorship from experienced professionals
  • Networking opportunities with peers and leaders
  • Skill development workshops and training sessions
  • Paid US holidays
  • Stellantis Employee Advantage Vehicle Discount Program
  • Eligible interns may be able to participate in the Company Vehicle Employee Lease Program

DEPARTMENT DETAILS:
The Automotive Design Interns will be tasked with flexing their creative muscles to create a concept for a design that represents their vision for what the interior or exterior of an advanced design of future Stellantis product should look like. Each intern will be assigned a mentor to help them in their development. They will also receive assistance from Design Leadership, Studio Engineering, and Computer Support teams. Company needs and student preference will be taken into consideration for interior or exterior area of focus and project/studio assignments.
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:
  • This position requires a portfolio in a PDF format be submitted with your application
  • Applications will not be processed without meeting this requirement. Please ensure your portfolio meets the following requirements:
  • Your portfolio should represent your skills as it pertains to the position to which you're applying
  • Your most current work should be presented first and displayed in descending order of most current to oldest
  • When appropriate, provide a brief description of your contributions to work that is submitted for review. (i.e., if a full model is presented, explain if you were responsible for the full model or if your involvement was limited to specific areas of the model)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Automotive, Product or Industrial Design or related field
  • Working knowledge of Alias, Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint and/or similar programs
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite applications
  • Able to work full-time, 40 hours per week during the internship
  • Willingness to relocate for internship
  • Completion of freshman year or higher at an accredited college or university by Spring 2027
  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • Candidates must submit a current portfolio, saved as a PDF, representing work from freshman year to the present (specifically highlighting automotive design projects if applicable)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Completion of sophomore year or higher at an accredited university by the internship start date
  • Exceptional design intuition, with strong presentation and design communication skills
  • Proficient in using Microsoft Office and Google Suite
  • Computer proficient
  • Strong interest in the automotive industry and new technologies
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Must exhibit strong leadership characteristics
  • Creative and innovative thinking

STELLANTIS DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, F-1, etc.) FOR THIS ROLE. IF YOU WILL REQUIRE SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE IN ORDER TO WORK IN THIS POSITION, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY.

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