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Automotive Design Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rezvani

Composite Car Assembly and Fabricator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Competitive salary * Free food & snacks About the Role: Join Rezvani Motors, a leader in high-performance automotive design and fabrication, as a Composite Vehicle Assembly and Fabrication specialist.

Vast

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ... Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also ...

HARMAN International

3D Motion Designer-Unity

Novi, MI · On-site

Global Design Worker Type Reference: Regular - Permanent Pay Rate Type: Salary Career Level: P4 Job ... Your Team You'll join HARMAN Automotive Design, a global, award-winning design studio bringing ...

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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 Aug 9, 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 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 due to high industry standards and specialized skills required, such as proficiency in CAD software and a strong portfolio. Candidates typically need a relevant degree in industrial design, automotive engineering, or a related field, along with experience or internships to improve their chances.

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.
More about Automotive Design Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Design Salary jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Design Salary job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Salary jobs are:
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 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,374 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Hyundai Design Center - Sr. Interior Designer

Hyundai Motor Company

Irvine, CA • On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Hyundai Design Center - Sr. Interior Designer

Hyundai Design Center is currently looking for an Senior Interior Designer at our Irvine, CA facility who will:

  • Be an expert in the field of automotive interior design.
  • Have 5-7+ years of relevant experience in automotive design field or have significant concept cars and / or production cars to his or her name
  • Be able to digitally model an interior design to a level where it can be milled or verified in VR.
  • Be able to take over a design from another designer and objectively complete it.
  • Be able to lead a program from start to finish including traveling to Korea solo for model builds.
  • Be able to mentor less experienced designers.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Be able to work self-sufficiently with a minimum of direction.
  • Operate the interior design team in the absence of the Head of Department.
  • Be able to sketch model your design, using digital software like Blender or Alias.
  • Be able to understand and react to engineering requirements.
  • Create compelling and appropriate design proposals for various concept and production car programs in the form of sketches, renderings and 3D digital models.
  • Research and analyze trends in overall packaging, dimension, materials, products and trends using online and print resources and by attending auto shows and other events.  Report on these trends to Management using Powerpoing presentations.
  • Meet with Management, Engineering, Marketing and Design Team to discuss design criteria.  Incorporate design criteria provided.
  • Develop design over engineering package using digital tools like Alias / Blender / etc.
  • Oversee the development of models by clay, CAS modelers and fabricators.
  • Consult with engineering and manufacturing to meet styling and manufacturing requirements.
  • Create high-quality publication images for use in press releases and design brochures using Photoshop, Alias and/or Blender, and photographed images.
  • Provide oversight, guidance and support to vendors producting one-of-a-kind concept vehicles for auto shows worldwide.
  • Benchmark competitor vehicles to aid design direction.
  • Travel up to 20% of time domestically and internationally.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • BS, BFA, MS or MFA in Transportation Design
  • 5-7 years in the OEM automotive industry
  • Proficient in Alias,Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, VRED,  Sub-D, AI Software, MS Office, clay
  • Proven experience in concept and/or production cars to his or her name
WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
  • 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
  • A global environment that fosters diversity
  • Competitive salaries
    • Compensation Range: $115,000 ~ $165,000
  • Retirement savings and planning benefits
  • Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
  • Up to 20% travel (domestic and international)
OTHER DETAILS

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor

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