Automotive Engineering Intern information
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$11.06 - $12.74
2% of jobs
$12.74 - $14.42
4% of jobs
$16.11 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.42 - $16.11
19% of jobs
$16.11 - $17.79
24% of jobs
The median wage is $17.89 / hr.
$17.79 - $19.47
17% of jobs
$20.48 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.47 - $21.15
16% of jobs
$21.15 - $22.84
6% of jobs
$22.84 - $24.52
5% of jobs
$24.52 - $26.20
3% of jobs
$26.20 - $27.88
3% of jobs
$27.88 - $29.57
1% of jobs
How much do automotive engineering intern jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive engineering intern in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
An Automotive Engineering Intern assists professional engineers in designing, testing, and improving vehicles and their components. Their responsibilities may include supporting research and development projects, creating CAD models, running simulations, and collecting data from vehicle tests. Interns often work in teams to solve real-world engineering problems and gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and practices. This role provides students with valuable insight into the automotive industry and helps them develop technical and professional skills.
As an Automotive Engineering Intern, you can expect to participate in hands-on projects like assisting with vehicle testing, supporting prototype development, analyzing data, and contributing to design improvements. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced engineers, attend team meetings, and may help troubleshoot technical issues on current projects. This role offers exposure to multiple stages of the automotive engineering process, providing valuable real-world experience and opportunities to learn from industry professionals.
To thrive as an Automotive Engineering Intern, you generally need a solid understanding of mechanical or automotive engineering principles, often supported by current enrollment in a relevant bachelor's program. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or CATIA), basic simulation tools, and Microsoft Office is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout interns apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to real-world engineering projects, learning quickly, and supporting team objectives in a dynamic industry environment.
Automotive engineering interns are in moderate demand as automotive companies seek fresh talent with skills in CAD, vehicle design, and testing. Internships provide valuable experience and can lead to full-time roles, especially as the automotive industry shifts toward electric and autonomous vehicles.
The best internship for automotive engineering students typically involves working with automotive manufacturers, suppliers, or research institutions that offer hands-on experience in vehicle design, testing, and manufacturing. Internships that provide exposure to CAD software, vehicle dynamics, and automotive systems help build relevant skills and industry knowledge. Selecting programs with mentorship, real-world projects, and opportunities to learn about emerging technologies like electric and autonomous vehicles is advantageous.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineering jobs?
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