There is a job to suit everyone’s interests and abilities in the automotive sector. You may be the kind of person that enjoys putting your hands to work and finding solutions to challenges. A profession in the automotive aftermarket industry provides workers with a high degree of flexibility in their day-to-day responsibilities. Also, the gratification from delivering a customer’s repaired vehicle back helps them.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether automotive aftermarket is a good career path not.
So let’s jump right into it!
Is Automotive Aftermarket a Good Career Path?
Yes, working in the automotive aftermarket is an excellent choice for a career. This industry offers great work stability to those who enter it. So, for example, suppose you can work your way into a business that manufactures vehicle parts. In that case, you can rest certain that there will always be a need for either the component your firm now produces or the part it plans to produce in the future.
People will need motor cars and all the components necessary for those vehicles to function properly since even though this industry is always evolving, it is also consistently there. One aspect of the industry undergoing transformation, which bodes well for the aftermarket auto parts industry, is the gradual elimination of the role of the middleman in the sales process.
As a result, many factories are developing this aspect of their business, ensuring even greater employment stability.
There is always an opportunity for promotion inside this company, which is why working here is an excellent decision. You may have to continue your education while working. However, doing so is an excellent method to advance your career within an organization and ensure you will be eligible for higher income levels.
What Are the Jobs Available in Automotive Aftermarket?
A job in the automotive aftermarket may be rather profitable, particularly for those interested in working on the technical side of things. However, because of the high level of technical complexity inherent to this industry, graduates with degrees in engineering are in great demand for many positions that provide top salaries.
Manufacturing Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $76,000
Manufacturing engineers work in the automotive sector and are responsible for designing the systems, machinery, and processes used to manufacture automobile components. They may be responsible for a complete vehicle system, such as the exhaust system. Either they will work on a tiny portion of the process, or they will come in and specify how they’ll handle the production from the beginning to the end.
This profession comes with a significant amount of responsibility, particularly because everything having to do with how a vehicle operates the potential to affect the lives of the people traveling in that vehicle. Additionally, significant education is required, contributing to the very high compensation offered.
Mechanical Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $79,000
Once they get their degree, mechanical engineers have a lot of various career options to choose from; one of those options is to work in the automobile business. For example, suppose you have a clear idea from the beginning of your education that you want to work in the automotive industry. In that case, you may find that your options for earning a degree in automotive engineering are limited. However, You can find mechanical engineering departments at most educational institutions.
When you hold this employment, a significant portion of your responsibilities will include using engineering principles to improve existing components or develop new ones. For example, in the aftermarket automobile sector, some mechanical engineers concentrate on the equipment used to create car parts rather than the vehicle parts themselves. This contrasts with the more common practice of specializing in auto components.
Automotive Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $72,000
Automotive engineers are often a part of a larger group entrusted with all elements involved in the construction of an automobile, from the design stage to the testing phase. Your team and the specific job you’re responsible for will determine what aspects of the project you can contribute to.
An automotive technology degree and previous work experience in the automobile industry are both prerequisites for this career. As long as you have the necessary education, you can start your career in the automotive aftermarket industry as a junior employee in a firm. Then, eventually, work your way up to the engineer position.
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $74,000
This work entails a never-ending pursuit of excellence, exactly as it sounds. People in this role are sometimes assigned to create modifications to automobiles or components inside the vehicle. However, most of the time, persons in this position are employed so that they may supervise the facility and the management of the workforce most productively and efficiently possible.
This is a challenging profession that calls for someone who can keep the larger picture in mind at all times. There is also a lot to learn about handling the material, standard operating procedures, human relations regulations, and other knowledge linked to these topics.
Factory Manager
Average Annual Salary: $95,000
The goal of the factory manager is to keep an eye on everything that’s going on in the manufacturing plant and make sure everything is operating as efficiently as possible. They could also be accountable for meeting targets or quotas and ensuring the welfare and security of their workforce.
The role of factory manager is one of the most physically demanding jobs. However, it also has the potential to be one of the higher-paying professions that an individual may get via years of experience rather than through traditional academic training. However, before they would start paying their employees better compensation, several businesses require that their workers must complete an official education program.
Catalog Content Team Member
Average Annual Salary: $43,000
In contrast to many other occupations in this sector, becoming a member of the catalog content team requires significant experience in advertising and communications. In this position, rather than working on the factory floor or even in the plant itself in certain circumstances, you will be responsible for selling the items your firm manufactures to the aftermarket.
Suppose you want to work your way up to lead in this role. In that case, you’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing. This is because those are the two most common fields of study for those seeking leadership positions.
Machine Operator
Average Annual Salary: $32,000
In an industrial setting, a machine operator is responsible for various responsibilities that center on the operation and upkeep of various machinery. For example, you may be responsible for operating a single machine daily for the whole shift. On the other hand, you could discover that you are more adaptable than you first thought and capable of taking responsibility for various tasks on a revolving schedule.
There is no need for prior experience or education to fill this job. Hence it is considered an entry-level post. You could also discover exceptionally competent machine operators working for the organization who have gained knowledge via years of experience and are responsible for incredibly technical tasks.
General Line Technician
Average Annual Salary: $38,000
Your responsibilities as a general line technician will vary depending on the kind of products that the automotive aftermarket firm you work for is making. It will also vary based on the kind of work assigned to you. For example, you’ll be doing the same tasks day in and day out if you choose one of these assembly-line jobs, which account for most of these professions.
Some individuals can climb the corporate ladder in this position and eventually become accountable for their whole division or line. In this role, they are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their fellow employees while still maintaining production levels for the business.
Manufacturing Associate
Average Annual Salary: $32,000
The manufacturing associate is responsible for preparing the essential tools and components before production can begin. They are also responsible for maintaining an accurate inventory and, depending on the circumstances, may be required to step in and assist in the production process in various areas.
While some businesses require that the employee have a bachelor’s degree or more, others are OK with the fact that all they have accomplished is earning a high school diploma. In any case, this is a job that is considered entry-level. Still, it has the potential to progress to management further down the line.
Parts Warehouse Team
Average Annual Salary: $47,000
Every automobile aftermarket plant will likely have a significant amount of inventory coming into the facility and a substantial amount of inventory leaving the site. However, there is a whole group of employees handling the raw material. They do it as it is brought into the plant and the final items when the transporters transport them to retailers.
A ground-level starting job in the warehouse is an entry-level role that may entail a lot of counting and lifting. As you get more experience, you could discover that there are prospects for growth, or you might discover that you prefer the physical aspects of this profession.
Entry-Level Sales Executive
Average Annual Salary: $37,000
When you look at the working title, there aren’t any genuine surprises for you. When a person first begins working in sales for an automobile aftermarket firm. One of their primary responsibilities is locating other businesses willing to buy the completed items. When you work in sales, one of your primary responsibilities will be maintaining connections with business-to-business customers, often known as value-added resellers (VAR).
Suppose a certain automotive aftermarket has gone out into creating their sales. In that case, they will keep you extra occupied attempting to make sales happen and keep consumers pleased.
Maintenance Technician
Average Annual Salary: $47,000
When working for a firm, a maintenance technician primarily focuses on the facility where the company manufactures its goods. The person who held this position was once known as a janitor. However, there is much more to work than just cleaning. Most maintenance technicians working in factories are responsible for a considerable amount of duties.
This is entry-level employment, and a degree is not necessary. However, having some expertise in electronics and dealing with huge machinery is quite valuable. It may make you a more appealing candidate.
Production Worker
Average Annual Salary: $30,000
One working on a factory’s production line is a production worker. It might be part of their employment to feed raw materials into equipment, put together goods, or monitor the performance of a particular piece of machinery.
Most individuals who aren’t skilled get their start in the automotive aftermarket as production workers, a standard entry-level position in a factory. This is also the profession that pays the least.
Electronic Assembler
Average Annual Salary: $31,000
Every automotive aftermarket firm requires someone who can assemble the many electronic elements found in modern automobiles because there are many electronic components in these vehicles. For most people, all that is necessary to qualify for entry-level employment is either a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Because this position provides the employee with real-world experience, it may serve as an excellent stepping stone for an individual interested in pursuing a career in electrical engineering. For example, some businesses need their electronic component assemblers to have additional experience. Or to complete apprenticeships in specialized skills such as soldering or welding before hiring.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Automotive Aftermarket?
The automotive aftermarket is a massive sector that employs thousands of people. As a whole, it comprises many different kinds of enterprises. These companies provide a diverse selection of items, allowing you to choose the one that caters to your requirements satisfactorily.
Applying to any of these organizations might get you the ideal job, so don’t hesitate to do so. Retail enterprises provide employment opportunities in various fields, but customers can also access alternative career paths. So you have the opportunity to get employment with a major corporation.
You can select a job depending on your interests and the skills you bring to the table. It is essential to always keep an eye out for new chances. You have several alternatives to choose from if you are interested in working in the aftermarket for automobiles. If you have the right frame of mind, this might be a rewarding and pleasurable career route for you to pursue.
What Is the Highest Paying Job in Automotive?
A factory manager is the highest paying job in the automotive industry, with an average annual salary of $95,000.
What Is the Career Path for an Auto Mechanic?
There are a lot of compelling arguments in favor of pursuing a career as an auto mechanic. First, there is a fair deal of employment security, a reduction in the amount of debt incurred through college loans, the opportunity to enhance one’s career, and the choice to either work alone or in collaboration with others, among the advantages.
Most notably, there will never be a shortage of openings for mechanics and service professionals working in the automobile industry. Consequently, persons in this sector may often find employment in nearly any location and are exempt from being fired due to outsourcing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for automobile mechanics and technicians in 2019 was $42,090. This figure represents a 3% increase from 2018. You can make a six-figure income as you learn more and get more experience in your area. In addition, this increases the likelihood that you will reach that potential.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Working in Automotive Aftermarket?
When you work in the field of automotive repair, you could be able to take advantage of some of the following perks:
Steady Work Hours
The work schedule for the majority of mechanics may be relied upon. This indicates that they work the same number of hours each week and at the same times each day. These times correlate to when the vehicle repair shop is open for business, which is normally consistent with standard business hours.
The number of hours that auto mechanics put in each week may differ slightly depending on whether or not they work full- or part-time. However, in most cases, auto mechanics are aware of the number of hours they can anticipate working, which helps to ensure that they have a stable source of income.
Long-Term Job Prospects
There is a good chance that driving a car will continue to be one of the most common ways people get about in the years to come. Because of this, there will probably be a need for personnel capable of repairing and maintaining automobiles.
The automotive industry is not as susceptible to the threat of job displacement posed by automation or outsourcing as some other sectors of the economy. Therefore, car technicians often have positive employment prospects over the long run.
Cons
There are several potential negatives associated with working as an auto mechanic, including the following examples:
Physical Labor
Working with your hands and putting forth much physical effort are both necessary components of becoming a mechanic. To successfully execute their work, mechanics are usually required to lift heavy items, crawl beneath vehicles, and utilize power equipment.
Mechanics may make their tasks simpler by maintaining a healthy physical state outside of work by developing healthy habits regarding nutrition and exercise. This will help them do their professions more efficiently.
Lack of transferrable skills
Suppose an auto mechanic one day decides they want to switch careers. In that case, they will find that many of the abilities they acquired throughout their training do not apply to other fields. Because of this, beginning a new profession might be challenging. In their spare time, mechanics have the opportunity to learn new skills that will help them pursue a profession of their choosing.
Then, after they have developed these new talents, they can quit their current employment as an auto mechanic. After that, they go on to the profession they have always wanted.
Final Words
An individual who works in the automotive aftermarket has access to many interesting employment opportunities within the automotive service industry. You could begin by doing routine preventive maintenance and repair work, then advance to performing supervisory and management responsibilities. An automotive technician is also paid more.
Most automotive service technicians earn well. The auto industry also provides on-the-job training to automotive technicians.
