## How Much Do Car Engineers Make?
**Introduction**
Car engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing vehicles. They work closely with other engineers, designers, and technicians to create safe, efficient, and reliable vehicles. Car engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Some car engineers also have a master’s degree or doctorate.
**Salary**
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for mechanical engineers was $91,570 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $55,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $143,890.
The salary of a car engineer can vary depending on their experience, education, and employer. Experienced car engineers with a master’s degree or doctorate can earn significantly more than those with less experience or education. Car engineers who work for large, well-known automakers typically earn more than those who work for smaller, less-known companies.
**Job Outlook**
The BLS projects that the employment of mechanical engineers will grow by 4 percent from 2021 to 2031. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for engineers to design and develop new products and technologies.
**Education and Training**
To become a car engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Some car engineers also have a master’s degree or doctorate.
In addition to your formal education, you can also gain experience through internships and co-ops. These experiences can help you to learn about the different aspects of car engineering and to develop the skills you need to be successful in the field.
**Skills**
Car engineers need a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills for car engineers include:
* Problem-solving
* Critical thinking
* Creativity
* Communication
* Computer-aided design (CAD)
* Finite element analysis (FEA)
**Conclusion**
Car engineering is a rewarding career that offers a competitive salary and job security. If you are interested in a career in car engineering, you should start by earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. You can also gain experience through internships and co-ops. With the right education and experience, you can be well on your way to a successful career in car engineering.
## Additional Information
**Related Careers**
* Automotive engineer
* Mechanical engineer
* Aerospace engineer
* Robotics engineer
**Professional Organizations**
* Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
* American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
* Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
**Resources**
* [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Mechanical Engineers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm)
* [Society of Automotive Engineers](https://www.sae.org/)
* [American Society of Mechanical Engineers](https://www.asme.org/)
* [Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers](https://www.ieee.org/)
