The primary qualifications for becoming an automotive engineer include a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Many automotive engineers choose to earn higher degrees and focus on specific areas, such as hybrid electrical systems or automotive mechanical functions. Completing the duties of this job also requires proficiency in advanced calculus, chemistry, physics, analysis, and creative problem-solving. Automotive engineers also need a thorough understanding of state and federal vehicle safety laws, the ability to work within a limited budget, and excellent communication skills.

If you are interested in a job related to Automotive Engineer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Automotive Engineer Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Automotive Engineer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Automotive Studio Engineer
Salary range: $95,500 - $133,000
Automotive Studio Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Studio Engineer jobs pay between $95,500 (25th percentile) and $133,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Studio Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive Data Engineer
Salary range: $114,500 - $137,500
Automotive Data Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Data Engineer jobs pay between $114,500 (25th percentile) and $137,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Data Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Industrial Engineer Automotive
Salary range: $70,000 - $94,500
Industrial Engineer Automotive is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Industrial Engineer Automotive jobs pay between $70,000 (25th percentile) and $94,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Industrial Engineer Automotive job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Corvette Manufacturing
Salary range: $42,000 - $60,000
Corvette Manufacturing is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Corvette Manufacturing jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Corvette Manufacturing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
No Experience Automotive Engineer
Salary range: $64,500 - $72,000
No Experience Automotive Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for No Experience Automotive Engineer jobs pay between $64,500 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for No Experience Automotive Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive Machinist
Salary range: $43,000 - $54,500
As an engine or automotive machinist, you create or repair parts of a vehicle. Your responsibilities are to use machines to cut and shape metal for repairs. You use your tools to resurface and renovate components. As an automotive machinist, you may also build or add parts to motors to enhance their performance. While many machinists work in garages or other repair facilities, you can also specialize in customizing engines for racing teams.
Automotive Hardware Engineer
Salary range: $90,000 - $110,000
Automotive Hardware Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Hardware Engineer jobs pay between $90,000 (25th percentile) and $110,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Hardware Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Audi Mechanical Engineering
Salary range: $81,500 - $126,500
Audi Mechanical Engineering is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Audi Mechanical Engineering jobs pay between $81,500 (25th percentile) and $126,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Audi Mechanical Engineering job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Emissions Tester
Salary range: $44,500 - $105,500
Emissions Tester is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Emissions Tester jobs pay between $44,500 (25th percentile) and $105,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Emissions Tester job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Stamping Engineer
Salary range: $28,500 - $121,500
Stamping Engineer is a typical job search query Most salaries for Stamping Engineer jobs pay between $28,500 (25th percentile) and $121,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Stamping Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Automotive Engineer Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Automotive Engineer Jobs in 2026