Getting paid to work with or around cars is every car lovers dream, and the job market is continuing to grow. According to a report by the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4.3 million people are being employed by the automotive industry in 2018. This is a 10% increase from last year when employment was just over 4.2 million. With an increasing amount of cars on the road and a growing demand for quality car service and education, now is a great time to start a career in automotives.

Think you’re ready to be a part of that 4.3 million? If so, check out these popular job positions that have left many job owners happy and fulfilled with their professional aspirations.

Auto Technician

As an auto technician, you’ll be responsible for repairing and maintaining many of the cars that come through your repair shop or dealership. A love for hands-on work is required as most of your time will be spent on the floor working with a variety of tools and machinery. Some tasks include oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and more! We recommend getting your Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification as many auto repair shops look for that during the hiring process

Salary: $49,000 per year*

Auto Engineer

Automotive Engineers are responsible for designing vehicles and making sure that each of them meets the company’s standards. These individuals will be looking to create unique designs for their brand and push the envelope in innovation. Some of their job requirements include prototype testing, fuel efficiency, style design, and improving on past vehicle models. This position will require a Bachelor’s degree in the field or in a related field, like mechanical engineering.

Salary: $64,000 per year*

Automotive Instructor

A passion for education and cars are needed for this position. As an instructor, you will be responsible for teaching students about the automotive industry and the jobs that are offered. You will guide students as they look to learn, grow, and eventually begin their careers. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required and potentially a teaching license depending on the school you work for (this applies to almost all public school teachers.)

Salary: $57,000 per year*

*salaries are based on average earnings in Minnesota