Are you thinking of trying a new career path? The auto industry may be a perfect fit for you! The auto industry is not just about selling cars or building them; there are dozens of career paths to take and more benefits than you can imagine.
The auto industry has been booming since the first vehicle was invented in the late 1800s. Industries with long histories have the best job security. As soon as you learn valuable information about the auto industry, the knowledge can take you anywhere.
1. Car Salesperson
Sales jobs are everywhere. If you have experience as a customer sales representative, being a car salesperson is a great career choice for you. Most car salespersons make an hourly wage and commission. A commission is typically a percentage of the vehicle’s total price and any warranties and additional programs.
As a car salesperson, you have many duties. The purpose of being a car salesperson is to sell vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles. A car salesperson listens carefully to the needs of their customers and finds a vehicle in their price range, if applicable. This job requires many soft and customer service skills like friendliness and professionalism.
2. Automotive Technician
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, automotive technicians work on vehicles specifically to repair them. In the same data, we can see there were about 703,800 automotive technician jobs in 2020. This is an in-demand job with frequent movement, and pay raises.
The job of an automotive technician is to diagnose vehicle problems and repair them promptly. The median pay for automotive technicians, also known as mechanics, is $46,880 annually, or a little over $22 an hour. You do not need a degree or higher education, but a certification in cars and mechanics is required.
3. Service Writer
Typically, the first person you see and greet in a dealership is a service writer. These are the employees who focus on the communication between mechanics, managers, and the car user with the problem. Not many people know what a service writer is, but they are one of the most important positions at any car dealership or repair center.
The job task for this service is to greet customers at the beginning and the end. Another essential duty is to keep track of paperwork and calculate estimates accurately and quickly for each customer.
4. Vehicle Inspector
If you do not want to go to school to repair vehicles and don’t want to be in the public eye in a customer service-oriented position, you can also be a vehicle inspector. Vehicle inspectors are individuals who only inspect a vehicle to ensure that it meets all industry standards and is safe. Someone has to keep checking if vehicles are safe, so why not you?
The pay is average, but there is room to grow. Many vehicle companies provide additional employment opportunities and career advancement options.
5. Auto Electrician
The great thing about auto electrician jobs is that they are in demand, and there are constant openings. You won’t have to sit and wait for a job opening to show up. According to Indeed, an auto electrician “specializes in installing, maintaining and repairing the wiring and electrical systems in buses, cars, trucks and other motor vehicles.”
These individuals work hard to diagnose electrical problems, fix wiring, and weld to make repairs. Only finishing high school is not enough to qualify for an auto electrician occupation, but it is a good start. After high school, consider entering a program or apprenticeship to learn more about the field.
6. Vehicle Detailer
Vehicle detailing is a fun job, especially for those who love being creative and can design unique pieces. A vehicle detailer is a hands-on job, but these workers also work with customers directly. Usually, a person commissions a piece of work, and the vehicle detailer will complete it within a time frame.
Vehicle detailers also actively clean vehicles inside and outside, including the small details like the fabric of the seats. The job outlook is favorable, and you can also go into business for yourself.
