Whether you’re just entering the job market or considering a career change, you already know there are a lot of choices out there. If you’re looking for a job that’s technology-driven, versatile and possesses a favorable industry outlook, you don’t need to look much further than the automotive sector. These days, working in the automotive industry involves more than looking under a hood and getting your hands dirty. There are a variety of job titles and functions that require many different skillsets worth exploring. These are the top reasons to work in this field.

#1: Good Career Outlook

In many cases, career outlook dictates whether people will consider joining an industry. The good news for those entering the automotive industry, career outlook is promising, particularly for automotive service technicians and mechanics – the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts six percent growth from 2016 to 2026. If you’re focusing on a career in automotive engineering, marketing or sales, the outlook is equally encouraging, given that more cars are being made now than ever. The annual number of automobiles produced worldwide has steadily climbed from about 48 million in 2009 to more than 73 million in 2017.

#2: Versatile Career Opportunities

As mentioned previously, being an automotive industry professional doesn’t have to mean becoming a mechanic or even car salesperson. Careers in management, administration, sales, service and parts are plentiful, and often include advancement opportunities. Specific careers commonly found in today’s job market include:

#3: Industry of the Future

The automotive industry is becoming an increasingly tech-driven field. As technology advances, automakers are following close behind, looking for new ways to integrate mobile and wireless components into the driver experience. If you have passion for computer sciences or innovation, a career on the front lines of the automotive technology field may be just what you’re looking for. General Motors recently predicted these job titles would be among the top 10 in the industry by 2025:

• Electrical engineer
• Analytics expert
• Software developer
• Autonomous driving engineer
• Sustainability integration expert
• 3D printing engineer
• Alternative propulsion engineer

Industry officials also say there has been a shift in hiring trends from mechanical to electrical engineers within the last 15 years.

#4: Quickly Join the Industry

If you’re looking to quickly enter the job market and earn a living, becoming an automotive professional could be the right choice. Many diploma or certificate programs from vocational schools take one to two years or less on average. Plus, these programs offer hands-on training so you’re ready to begin your career the moment you graduate.

#5: Competitive Salaries

Pay scales vary based on job title, experience and location, but in general, automotive professionals take home a competitive salary. For example, automotive technicians in Seattle earn a median hourly wage of $24.13 and an annual salary of $52,981. Other median salaries include:

• Collision tech - $58,679
• Machinist - $48,470
• Paint tech - $54,904

Receive Automotive Service from Industry Professionals

Automotive professionals are crucial to keeping your car well-maintained and running, so it’s important you work with industry experts when it comes to having your vehicle serviced. The certified technicians at Toyota of Seattle are Toyota-trained, so they know exactly the type of service and parts your vehicle requires. Schedule an appointment by calling 206-382-8812 or contacting our service department online.