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 Designer
Salary range: $63,000 - $80,000
An automotive designer is a creative professional that works in the automobile industry. Automotive designers are responsible for designing nearly all aspects of a car, including both external and internal components. As an automotive designer, your job duties revolve around using software like AutoCAD to create plans that can then be executed by the manufacturing team. You work with a creative team of designers to ensure you have a cohesive product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Automotive Exterior Design
Salary range: $41,000 - $61,000
Automotive Exterior Design is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Exterior Design jobs pay between $41,000 (25th percentile) and $61,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Automotive Exterior Design job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Automotive Programming
Salary range: $53,500 - $107,000
Automotive Programming is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Programming jobs pay between $53,500 (25th percentile) and $107,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Automotive Programming job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Mazda Engineering
Salary range: $42,000 - $79,000
Mazda Engineering is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Mazda Engineering jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $79,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Mazda Engineering 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.
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.
Automotive Fabrication
Salary range: $62,500 - $90,000
Automotive Fabrication is a typical job search query Most salaries for Automotive Fabrication jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $90,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Automotive Fabrication job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
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 Product Engineer
Salary range: $81,000 - $89,500
Automotive Product Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Product Engineer jobs pay between $81,000 (25th percentile) and $89,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Product 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 Tuning
Salary range: $60,500 - $146,000
Automotive Tuning is a typical job search query Most salaries for Automotive Tuning jobs pay between $60,500 (25th percentile) and $146,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Tuning 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