Automotive engineers design, develop, and improve vehicles and their systems. The work is technical, problem-focused, and requires a bachelor's degree. Here is what the job entails, the skills you need, and how to enter the field.
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Automotive engineers work on the design and performance of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. You analyze data, solve mechanical problems, and evaluate whether designs meet safety and performance standards. Much of your time involves working with computers to model systems, reading technical information, and writing reports. You may focus on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, or vehicle safety. The role demands critical thinking and the ability to process complex information to improve how vehicles function and perform.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Automotive Engineers earn a median of $104,110 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 18,100 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field to become an automotive engineer. Your coursework covers engineering and technology, physics, mathematics, mechanical design, and computer systems. During your studies, you develop skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics. Many programs include hands-on projects and internships that give you real-world experience. After earning your degree, you can enter the field and continue learning on the job as you work on vehicle development and improvement.
Most automotive engineers earn a bachelor's degree before entering the field. The path is straightforward but requires strong preparation in math and science, so if you want to map out your next steps and build a timeline, Pathly can map the automotive engineer path that fits you and work through it with your counselor.
Many automotive engineers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to hands-on problem-solving and working with systems and tools. You enjoy analyzing how things work and using data to make decisions. This career suits people who think practically and want to build or improve physical products.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).