Automotive Engineering Technicians
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Also called: Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician) · Research Technician
Median pay (national)
$68,730
$46,940–$100,890 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
37,450
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
0%
~3,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for automotive engineering technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $100,890 versus $46,940 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $68,730 leaves roughly 47% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change 0% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 46 states with released data, Louisiana pays the most for this role (median $100,430, +46% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $50,450 — a 99% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Science
- Learning Strategies
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
- Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
- Perform or execute manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability.
- Maintain test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
- Analyze performance of vehicles or components that have been redesigned to increase fuel efficiency, such as camless or dual-clutch engines or alternative types of air-conditioning systems.
Tools & technology
- SAP software
- A&D Technology iTest
- Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical
- Autodesk Inventor
- Data acquisition software
- IBM Notes
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- PTC Creo Parametric
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Physics
- Transportation
- Design