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Automotive Design Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... salary planning, employee counseling, and training plans. * Mentorship & Coaching: Serve as a ... Experience: 10+ years in Automotive Design, high-end product visualization, or digital design (in ...

Studio X Chief Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$141K - $268K/yr

Experience: 10+ years in Automotive Design, high-end product visualization, or digital design (in ... Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base ...

$140 - $190/hr

Design, prototype, and validate robust ECU low-voltage zonal control modules for automotive ... In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in ...

Showing results 21-40

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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What cities are hiring for Automotive Design Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Automotive Design Salary job openings:

What states have the most Automotive Design Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Automotive Design Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Salary jobs are:

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.

Studio X Chief Designer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 527 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles.

Come build what matters. Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.

The Studio X Digital Design Chief reports to the Director of Design Operations and leads Design Visualization, Research & Development, and Digital Technologies globally. This leader defines the strategic digital roadmap for the Global Design organization while ensuring operational excellence, rigorous data security, and high-performing team management. What you'll do..

Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation Digital Roadmap: Define and execute a long-term global digital support strategy and transformation roadmap to enhance creativity and efficiency across Global Design. Emerging Tech & AI: Evaluate and implement emerging digital tools, including AI, procedural workflow automation, and immersive technologies (AR/VR/MR). Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Program teams, Engineering, IT, Corporate Security, and Marketing to align digital initiatives with brand vision and future product strategies.

Digital Production & Visualization End-to-End Pipelines: Oversee high-fidelity rendering, narrative animation, real-time visualization, and immersive digital simulation pipelines. Media Services: Manage comprehensive photography (including drone and documentary) and professional videography/editing services for the Design studio. Quality & Delivery: Establish and enforce rigorous quality standards and review processes to ensure on-time delivery of all Studio X assets.

Executive Presentation: Support Marketing and Strategy teams with Executive Leadership Team (ELT) presentations and Market Research stimuli; confidently pitch and facilitate project reviews for senior leadership. Operations, Budget, & IT Asset Management Hardware Lifecycle: Manage procurement, maintenance, and lifecycles for high-performance workstations, AR/VR head-mounted displays, MicroLED displays, printers, and data management systems. Software & SaaS: Oversee software licensing, SaaS usage, vendor negotiations, enterprise agreements, and corporate compliance.

ROI Optimization: Ensure maximum ROI on all hardware and software acquisitions through pipeline automation and licensing efficiencies. Data Governance & Studio Security IP Protection: Implement data governance and security protocols for design imagery and highly sensitive, pre-production data. Access Control: Create, implement, and enforce strict physical access-control policies for all secure design studios and spaces.

People Leadership & Talent Development Culture & Performance: Foster a highly collaborative, accountable, and engaged studio culture. Lead OKR/KPI development and performance management. HR & Personnel Management: Assist the Design Operations Director with personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning, employee counseling, and training plans.

Mentorship & Coaching: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, and mentor team members through complex, ambiguous challenges. You'll have... Education: Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Experience: 10+ years in Automotive Design, high-end product visualization, or digital design (in-studio program experience preferred). Project Management: Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder multimedia projects and budgets. Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of modern digital tools, hardware, data governance, IP protection, and the overall Product Development/Design process.

Leadership: Strong business acumen with demonstrated leadership skills in hiring, developing, and inspiring creative technical teams. Even better, you may have... Prior experience working within large, complex corporate environments and creative cultures

Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and global automotive design trends. Proven track record of presenting to and influencing executive-level audiences. You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply.

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home. Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills.

Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above. No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including: Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases Tuition assistance Established and active employee resource groups Paid time off for individual and team community service A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. This position is leadership level 5 and ranges from $141,700-$268,300

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value. For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL5 Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660. This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #DesignTeam #LI-SC3.


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