How Much Money Does a Car Engineer Make?
Factors that Affect Salary
The salary of a car engineer can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Experience: Car engineers with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience.
- Education: Car engineers with a master’s degree or doctorate typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
- Location: Car engineers who work in large metropolitan areas typically earn higher salaries than those who work in smaller cities and towns.
- Employer: Car engineers who work for large automotive companies typically earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller companies.
Average Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for car engineers was $110,140 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $64,190, and the highest 10 percent of earners made more than $163,100.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for car engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for car engineers is expected to grow as the automotive industry continues to develop new technologies, such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and connected vehicles.
How to Become a Car Engineer
To become a car engineer, you will typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require you to have a master’s degree or doctorate.
In addition to your education, you will also need to have strong technical skills, such as:
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Control systems
- Powertrain systems
- Vehicle dynamics
Conclusion
Car engineers are highly skilled professionals who play a vital role in the automotive industry. The salary of a car engineer can vary depending on a number of factors, but the median annual salary is $110,140. The job outlook for car engineers is expected to be good over the next few years.
