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Hot Rod Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Masis Musclecar Garage Inc

Parts Specialist

Richmond, VA

$17.75 - $24/hr

About Masi's Musclecar Garage Muscle Car Hot Rod Restoration in Richmond, VA Founded in 2009, Masi's Musclecar Garage is the trusted source in specialty hot rod restoration on the East Coast. If you ...

Masis Musclecar Garage Inc

Parts Specialist

Richmond, VA

$17.75 - $24/hr

About Masi's Musclecar Garage Muscle Car Hot Rod Restoration in Richmond, VA Founded in 2009, Masi's Musclecar Garage is the trusted source in specialty hot rod restoration on the East Coast. If you ...

VESCIOS CUSTOMIZING AND RESTORATION

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Auto Body Technician - Classic Car Restoration

Rogers, MN · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Established, high-end Hot Rod Shop is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Hot Rod Builder/Body Tech to join our team. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of experience and a passion for classic cars ...

VESCIOS CUSTOMIZING AND RESTORATION

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Auto Body Technician - Classic Car Restoration

Rogers, MN · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Established, high-end Hot Rod Shop is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Hot Rod Builder/Body Tech to join our team. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of experience and a passion for classic cars ...

BMI Inc.

Collision/Hot Rod Painter

Littleton, NC · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Position Overview: As a Collision Painter, you will be responsible for preparing and applying paint to vehicles that have undergone collision repairs. Your role ensures vehicles are restored to their ...

BMI Inc.

Hot Rod Builder/Mechanic

Littleton, NC · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Now Hiring: Master Automotive Restoration & Classic Car Technician. (MUST HAVE 10+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO APPLY) Buddy Isles Tire and Automotive/Collision is searching for a highly skilled, detail ...

BMI Inc.

Collision/Hot Rod Painter

Littleton, NC · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Position Overview: As a Collision Painter, you will be responsible for preparing and applying paint to vehicles that have undergone collision repairs. Your role ensures vehicles are restored to their ...

BMI Inc.

Hot Rod Builder/Mechanic

Littleton, NC

$60K - $125K/yr

Now Hiring: Master Automotive Restoration & Classic Car Technician. (MUST HAVE 10+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO APPLY) Buddy Isles Tire and Automotive/Collision is searching for a highly skilled, detail ...

NFI Empire

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Hot Rod Shop Service Writer

North East, PA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

At NFI Empire we work on a wide variety of vehicles; with a focus on classics of all years, makes, and models as well as customizing any year, make, and model vehicles. As a service writer you will ...

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Prep Cook

Fargo, ND

$18 - $25/hr

Sickies Garage is a Fun, Fast paced environment with a cool Hot Rod inspired vibe! * We love to thrill our guests with Fantastic food and a Fun, Lively Atmosphere! Job Summary * Preparing food ...

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Dishwasher

Fargo, ND

$15 - $20/hr

Sickies Garage is a Fun, Fast paced environment with a cool Hot Rod inspired vibe! * We love to thrill our guests with Fantastic food and a Fun, Lively Atmosphere! Job Summary * Clean and sanitize ...

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Cook

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Sickies Garage is a Fun, Fast paced environment with a cool Hot Rod inspired vibe! * We love to thrill our guests with Fantastic food and a Fun, Lively Atmosphere! Job Summary * Preparing food ...

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Prep Cook

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Sickies Garage is a Fun, Fast paced environment with a cool Hot Rod inspired vibe! * We love to thrill our guests with Fantastic food and a Fun, Lively Atmosphere! Job Summary * Preparing food ...

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Cook

Bellevue, NE

$16 - $19/hr

Sickies Garage is a Fun, Fast paced environment with a cool Hot Rod inspired vibe! * We love to thrill our guests with Fantastic food and a Fun, Lively Atmosphere! Job Summary * Preparing food ...

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How much do hot rod jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hot rod in the United States is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hot Rod Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hot Rod Mechanic, you need strong automotive repair skills, deep knowledge of custom car builds, and typically a vocational qualification or relevant certification. Familiarity with specialized tools, diagnostic equipment, welding, and sometimes performance tuning software is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help mechanics deliver unique, high-quality custom cars. These skills are vital for ensuring safety, optimal performance, and customer satisfaction in the highly specialized hot rod industry.

What are some common challenges faced by hot rod mechanics and builders, and how can they be addressed?

Hot rod mechanics and builders often encounter challenges such as sourcing rare or custom parts, balancing performance upgrades with safety standards, and meeting client expectations for unique, high-quality builds. Effective problem-solving skills, creative fabrication techniques, and strong relationships with suppliers and fellow builders are essential to overcoming these hurdles. Collaborating within a team and staying updated on industry trends can also help hot rod professionals deliver exceptional results and advance their careers.

What is the difference between Hot Rod vs Car Customizer?

AspectHot RodCar Customizer
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but knowledge of automotive mechanics and fabricationOften no formal certification, but skills in modification and design
Work EnvironmentAuto shops, garages, or personal workshopsCustom shops, auto shows, or personal projects
Industry UsagePopular in car shows, racing, and hobbyist communitiesUsed in automotive customization, modification, and personal styling

While both Hot Rods and Car Customizers work with vehicles, Hot Rods focus on restoring and modifying vintage cars for performance and style, often involving extensive fabrication. Car Customizers may work on a broader range of vehicles, emphasizing aesthetic modifications and personal touches. Both roles require automotive knowledge but differ in scope and purpose.

What are Hot Rods?

Hot rods are typically old, classic, or modern American cars that have been modified with larger engines, custom parts, and unique styling to enhance their speed and appearance. Originally popularized in the 1940s and 1950s, hot rods are often built for performance and personal expression, featuring distinctive paint jobs, lowered suspensions, and powerful V8 engines. Today, hot rodding is both a hobby and a subculture, with enthusiasts gathering at car shows and races to showcase their custom vehicles.
More about Hot Rod jobs
What cities are hiring for Hot Rod jobs? Cities with the most Hot Rod job openings:
What states have the most Hot Rod jobs? States with the most job openings for Hot Rod jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hot Rod jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hot Rod jobs are:
Hot Rod jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hot Rod job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,200 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Metal Fabricator - Classic Car - Hot Rod - Performance

Metal Fabricator - Classic Car - Hot Rod - Performance

BMI Inc.

Littleton, NC • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

High-Performance Fabricator & Classic Car / Hot Rod Technician
Buddy’s Speed World – Littleton / Lake Gaston Area, North Carolina

About Buddy’s Speed World:
Buddy’s Speed World is the high-performance division of BMI Inc. We specialize in building serious classic cars, hot rods, show cars, and high-performance daily drivers. From ground-up custom builds and precision fabrication to performance upgrades and full restorations, we deliver uncompromising quality, integrity, and results that turn heads.
Located in the beautiful Lake Gaston area of North Carolina, we offer more than just a job — we offer a lifestyle surrounded by water, freedom, and a tight-knit community of car enthusiasts who live and breathe classic cars and hot rods.
Our Core Values:
  • Integrity First – Do the right thing.
  • Own It – Take responsibility.
  • Exceed Expectations – Go the extra mile.
  • Team Over Ego – Check the ego at the door.
  • Relentless Improvement – Continuously improve everything you do.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced High-Performance Fabricator and Technician who is passionate about building, modifying, and perfecting classic cars, hot rods, and performance vehicles. This is hands-on, custom work — not routine maintenance or oil changes. You’ll be involved in real fabrication, precision builds, and turning customer visions into high-performing reality.
What You’ll Be Doing:
  • Perform custom fabrication and modifications (exhaust systems, intercooler piping, brackets, mounts, roll cages, etc.)
  • Build and install high-performance systems including superchargers, turbo setups, fuel systems, cooling upgrades, and exhaust.
  • Work on classic cars, hot rods, late-model GM LS/LT, Ford Coyote/Modular platforms, and other performance vehicles.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex drivability, performance, and mechanical issues using strong engine theory.
  • Handle performance suspension, steering, brake, and drivetrain upgrades with proper alignment and integration.
  • Execute clean, professional wiring and aftermarket electronics integration.
  • Test, tune, and validate builds on the road and dyno.
  • Document work thoroughly for team and customer communication.
  • Maintain an exceptionally clean, safe, and organized workspace.
  • Mentor junior team members as the shop continues to grow.

What We’re Looking For:
  • Strong hands-on experience in performance fabrication and custom hot rod / classic car work.
  • Excellent fabrication skills (welding, tube bending, sheet metal, etc.)
  • Solid diagnostic and problem-solving abilities with deep understanding of forced induction, engine performance, and vehicle dynamics.
  • Pride in craftsmanship — obsession with fit, finish, and attention to detail.
  • True team player who is humble, accountable, and ego-free.
  • Ability to work independently while consistently delivering high-quality results.
  • Strong communication skills and professional attitude.
Experience Requirements:
  • 3+ years in a performance shop, hot rod shop, or high-level custom automotive environment.
  • Trade school or equivalent hands-on experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Extensive fabrication experience (exhaust, intake, brackets, custom panels)
  • Forced induction expertise (superchargers and turbos)
  • Tuning knowledge (HP Tuners, Holley, etc.)
  • Strong electrical diagnostics and wiring skills.
  • Dyno operation or data analysis experience.

Compensation & Growth:
  • Highly competitive pay based on experience, fabrication skills, and proven ability ($55,000 – $95,000+ annually depending on expertise).
  • Performance incentives and bonuses tied directly to build quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
  • Clear path for advancement and leadership as our performance and custom build division expands.
  • Opportunity to work on exciting, high-profile classic car and hot rod builds in a growing shop.
Why Join Buddy’s Speed World?
If you live for building vehicles that not only look incredible but actually perform, take immense pride in your craftsmanship, and want to be part of a values-driven team in a lakeside community, this is your opportunity. Enjoy meaningful work surrounded by classic cars, hot rods, and fellow enthusiasts with room to grow both professionally and personally.
How to Apply:
Send your resume along with:
  • A short note about your relevant experience with hot rods, classic cars, or performance fabrication
  • Photos (or links to photos) of your past builds and projects — this is strongly encouraged and will be a big part of our decision
Questions? Feel free to reach out — we’d love to hear from passionate builders like you.