Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (occupation group), with detailed role definition from O*NET, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingWritingQuality Control AnalysisOperations Monitoring
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Automotive Engineering Technician pay by experience level
Entry level$50,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$61,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$77,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$91,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$110,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+0%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
3,200
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Automotive Engineering Technician salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
10,980 workers
$84,000
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
7,160 workers
$79,000
Machinery Manufacturing
5,310 workers
$74,500
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
5,110 workers
$78,500
Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only)
3,770 workers
$70,500
Scientific Research and Development Services
2,780 workers
$92,500
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
2,140 workers
$78,000
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing
1,890 workers
$77,000
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
1,610 workers
$68,500
Administrative and Support Services
1,550 workers
$77,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Automotive Engineering Technician pays 27% below the average across 59 roles in the Architecture and Engineering job family (family average $108,000).
Similar-paying roles in Architecture and Engineering
Need Automotive Engineering Technician pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
