The best-paying jobs in Auto Parts OEM include director of engineering and director of supply chain. They get the highest paychecks because their jobs require specific expertise and experience. Additionally, they greatly contribute to the success of their companies.
According to Statistica, the sector itself employs about 151,647 people in the US. There are also over 10 million people working in the industry globally. At a 4.17% annual growth rate from 2022 to 2030, this industry will continue to grow over the next 10 years.
What Do Auto Parts OEM Jobs Pay?
The average annual salary in the Auto Parts OEM industry is $50,000. However, the sector offers various positions with different pay rates. For instance, an experienced director of engineering working for a large company can earn up to $295,000 annually. On the other hand, an entry-level manufacturing engineer makes around $60,000 per year.
15 Highest Paying Auto Parts OEM Jobs with Good Salaries
A director of engineering oversees the engineering department and ensures that the company’s products meet quality standards. They also manage the budget, develop new products, and improve existing ones.
Directors of engineering earn high salaries because of their extensive education, experience, and high level of responsibility. To get this role, you need analytical, financial, communication, and leadership skills. Also, experience in engineering and management is necessary.
The educational qualifications for a director of engineering include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering. Many employers prefer individuals with several years of experience in the field. The job outlook for this role is positive, with a growth rate of 3% from 2020 to 2030. This position will also produce many jobs in the future.
2. Director of Supply Chain
Average Annual Salary: $220,000
A director of supply chain leads the transformation of the company’s supply chain operations and optimizes the distribution center network. They earn high salaries because they manage the supply chain, which is an important part of the business.
Directors of supply chain must possess excellent knowledge of supply chain processes and technologies and experience in any related field.
Companies require a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field before hiring for this role. However, some prefer a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.
The job outlook for directors of supply chains in Auto Parts companies is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it will grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. It will also create new employment opportunities.
3. Senior Manager of Operations
Average Annual Salary: $220,000
Senior managers of operations are responsible for managing daily operations, ensuring that processes run efficiently and that production goals are met. They also lead other employees and collaborate with other departments to optimize production processes.
They earn high salaries due to the complexity of operations management. This role requires leadership skills required to manage a team effectively. Additionally, process improvement, supply chain management, and time-management abilities are essential.
A senior manager of operations must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field is usually required.
The job outlook for this position is positive with a 6% growth from 2020 to 2030. It will also produce about 173,000 jobs every year for the next 10 years.
4. Director of Manufacturing
Average Annual Salary: $200,000
A director of manufacturing oversees product manufacturing and ensures production, performance, and quality standards are always met. They manage the production processes, ensure that it is efficient and cost-effective, and also delivered early.
Directors of manufacturing earn high salaries for their high level of responsibility and expertise for the job. They possess supply chain experience, process improvement, and project management skills.
To get this role, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field. Some employers require at least 5 years of related work experience.
The job outlook for this role will grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031. Despite the small growth, the position will create 15,400 job openings every year for the next decade.
5. Senior Marketing Manager
Average Annual Salary: $190,000
Senior manager of marketing develops and executes marketing strategies to promote products and services. They also conduct market research and collaborate with other departments to create effective campaigns.
They earn high salaries due to the importance of marketing in driving business growth and the creativity and analytical skills necessary for the role.
A senior manager of marketing must-have market analysis, branding, communication, and interpersonal skills. In addition, they need technical, digital, customer service, and marketing planning and strategy abilities.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field is necessary for this role. Also, some years of experience in marketing management is essential.
The job outlook for marketing managers will grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030. It will also produce about 41,000 every year for the next 10 years.
6. Senior Manager of Engineering
Average Annual Salary: $180,000
Senior managers of engineering are responsible for designing and developing new products, and ensuring they meet customer needs and company standards. They earn high salaries due to the technical expertise required for the role.
A senior manager of engineering must have leadership and strategic thinking skills to manage a team and drive innovation. In addition, they need knowledge of engineering knowledge procedures, project management, and communication.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field for this role. The job outlook for engineering managers is positive with a 3% growth rate from 2020 to 2030. It will also produce about 10,000 employment opportunities every year for the next 10 years.
7. Senior Manager of Sales
Average Annual Salary: $175,000
A senior manager of sales develops and executes sales strategies to meet revenue targets. Also, they manage a team of sales professionals and collaborate with other departments to drive business growth.
Senior managers of sales earn high salaries for their sales and revenue generation input. This role requires leadership skills, sales strategy, relationship-building, and communication abilities.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field is necessary for this role. However, many employers need individuals with 5 to 7 years of experience in sales management.
The job outlook for sales managers will grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030 and create 35,000 new jobs in the next decade.
8. Senior Product Manager
Average Annual Salary: $175,000
Senior product managers oversee the development and launch of new products. They also collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct market research, and manage product life cycles.
They earn high due to their input in successful product launches and business growth. Individuals vying for this role must have a thorough understanding of product management experience, project management, product marketing, and finances.
A senior product manager needs a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field. The job outlook for product managers will grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030. In addition, it will produce about 26,000 new jobs every year for the next 10 years.
9. Senior Mechanical Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $165,000
Senior mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems and products. They also conduct research, create prototypes, and test and analyze results.
They earn high salaries due to the technical expertise this role needs. To get this role, you need people management, technical expertise, creativity, listening, math, and collaboration abilities.
A senior mechanical engineer must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field for this role.
The job outlook for this role will grow by 4% from 2020 to 2030 and produce about 12,000 new employment opportunities.
A senior electrical engineer designs and develops electrical systems and products. They also conduct research, create prototypes, test, and examine results.
They earn high salaries due to the importance of electrical engineering in product development. To get this role, you need knowledge of the manufacturing of electrical equipment, systems, and components, concentration, and initiative abilities.
Senior electrical engineers must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. The job outlook for electrical engineers is positive with a 3% growth rate from 2020 to 2030, producing around 5,000 new jobs.
11. Senior Project Manager
Average Annual Salary: $160,000
A senior project manager oversees multiple projects across the software development life cycle, from requirements to delivery. They manage all aspects of the program budget and achieve objectives and goals for all projects.
Senior project managers earn high salaries due to their skillfulness in managing complex projects. This position requires various skills which include communication, innovation, being proactive, detail-oriented, and project management abilities.
The educational qualifications for this position are a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as engineering, business, or computer science. However, some companies require a master’s degree in a related field or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
The job outlook for this role is positive with a growth rate of 6% from 2019 to 2029. It will produce many employment opportunities in the future.
12. Senior Process Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $155,000
A senior process engineer in the Auto Parts industry develops and improves manufacturing processes. They also ensure that the production process is efficient and cost-effective and develop mold trials for new tooling and participate in design for manufacturability.
Senior process engineers earn high salaries because of the delicate nature of their jobs. To get this role, you must have chemical engineering and troubleshooting abilities and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
The educational qualifications for this position are a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in mechanical or industrial engineering. Some employers prefer individuals who have experience in manufacturing processes, quality control, and project management.
The job outlook for this role is positive, with a growth rate of 4% from 2019 to 2029. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this position will create more employment opportunities due to the demand for engineers in general.
13. Senior Program Manager
Average Annual Salary: $150,000
A senior program manager manages programs that involve the development, production, and delivery of auto parts. They oversee the entire program, from planning to execution, and ensure that it is completed on time, within budget, and meets the required quality standards.
Senior program managers earn high salaries due to their expertise in managing complex programs. Relevant skills for this role include project management, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
The job outlook for this role is positive, with a growth rate of 6% from 2019 to 2029. This position will also produce over 9000 jobs every year for the next 10 years.
14. Senior Quality Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $145,000
A senior quality engineer in an auto parts company provides excellent quality assurance support to the product development team, resolving bugs, defects, and other issues.
Senior quality engineers earn high salaries because they are professionals in quality assurance and leading teams and improving processes.
To get this role, you must possess strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. In addition, you must know quality standards, such as ISO 9001.
Many employers require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some prefer candidates with extensive experience in quality assurance and control and product development.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this role will grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031. Also, it will create a lot of employment opportunities in the labor market.
15. Senior Test Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $140,000
A senior test engineer ensures the quality of products by developing and implementing testing procedures. They also oversee other engineers and work with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues.
They earn high salaries because they ensure the company’s products maintain the same standards. This role needs knowledge of test automation frameworks, performance testing tools, and successful application of those to testing scenarios.
To get this role, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Also, many employers expect applicants to have experience in creating world-class automation for regression and feature testing.
The job outlook for this position is positive, with a growth rate of 3% from 2019 to 2029. It will produce many employment opportunities in the near future.
5 Highest Paying Entry-Level Auto Parts OEM Jobs with Good Salaries
Manufacturing engineers ensure that production lines are safe, effective, and efficient. They analyze production data for improvement, manage production schedules, ensure quality control, and develop/implement manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing engineers earn high salaries because of the complex and technical nature of their work, and the skills they possess.
They possess strong communication and technical skills to understand and troubleshoot manufacturing processes. Also, they know manufacturing engineering and continual improvement processes.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering or a related field. The job outlook is positive, with a growth rate of 4% from 2019-2029. It will produce many jobs in the future.
2. Quality Control Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $58,000
Quality control analysts ensure that products meet the mandatory quality standards. They also carry out versatile technological analyses to assess the quality of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods.
Quality control analysts earn high because ensuring that products meet the required quality standards, and their skills.
They possess analytical skills to identify and resolve issues that may arise in the quality control process. They also have good communication skills to keep communication lines open and running smoothly.
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is necessary for this role. The job outlook is positive, with a growth rate of 10% from 2019 to 2029. It will also produce many jobs in the future.
3. Supply Chain Coordinator
Average Annual Salary: $54,000
Supply chain coordinators manage the flow of goods and services from the supplier to the customer. They coordinate and manage the supply chain process, including procurement, production, transportation, and distribution.
Supply chain coordinators earn high salaries because they ensure the smooth operation of the supply chain and their skills.
To get this role, you need communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities.
Companies require a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field for this position. The job outlook is positive, with a growth rate of 4% from 2019 to 2029. This role will produce over 10,000 jobs every year for the next 10 years.
4. Marketing Coordinator
Average Annual Salary: $48,000
Marketing coordinators coordinate marketing activities and campaigns to promote a company’s products or services. They earn high salaries because they create and execute marketing campaigns that generate revenue for their companies.
A marketing coordinator must possess excellent communication skills and a solid foundation in advertising strategies. They must also know good working knowledge of traditional and digital marketing.
A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field is essential for this role. The job outlook is positive, with a growth rate of 6% from 2019 to 2029. This role will create many employment opportunities because of the demand for excellent marketers.
Sales representatives sell a company’s products or services to customers and represent the brand. They generate leads, reach out to potential customers through various channels and educate prospects on products through calls, training, and presentations. They earn because of the critical role they play in driving sales and their skills.
A sales representative must possess communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and customer service skills to excel in their role. They also need product and policy knowledge and sales process proficiency.
A high school diploma or equivalent is the basic requirement for this role. The job outlook is positive, with a growth rate of 2% from 2019-2029. It will also produce many jobs in the future.
How to Apply and Get a High Paying Job in Auto Parts OEM?
5 practical steps to applying and getting a high-paying job in Auto Parts OEM:
1. Obtain a relevant degree or certification
You must have a relevant degree or certification in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, or business management. Employers prefer candidates with relevant educational qualifications. This is because it demonstrates a strong foundation in technical and business concepts related to the industry. It will make you a more valuable asset to employers.
2. Gain relevant experience
Employers want candidates with prior experience in the automotive industry, as it demonstrates a strong understanding of the industry’s operations and processes. Go for internship or co-op opportunities and consider starting in entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience.
3. Develop your technical and soft skills
The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments and industry practices. Consider pursuing additional training and professional development opportunities to develop your technical and soft skills.
4. Create a strong resume and cover letter
When applying for jobs, create a strong resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Tailor your application to each job you apply for, and be sure to apply through multiple channels.
5. Apply for jobs
Once you have prepared a strong application that showcases your skills and experience, start applying for jobs. Look for jobs that match your skill set and career goals, and make sure to tailor your application to each job you apply for.
Where to Find the Best Paying Jobs in Auto Parts OEM?
If you’re looking for the best-paying jobs in the Auto Parts OEM industry, it’s important to know where to look. There are several job boards and websites that specialize in connecting job seekers with high-paying opportunities in the industry.
5 top job boards to find the best-paying jobs in the Auto Parts OEM industry:
1. Automotive News Jobs
Automotive News Jobs specializes in listing job openings in the automotive industry. They post different positions, from entry-level to executive roles. In addition, they provide career advice, salary information, and industry news.
Autojobs.com list job openings in the auto parts OEM sector. It offers a range of positions, from entry-level to executive roles.
3. Automotive Search Group
Automotive Search Group is a job board and recruitment agency that connects job seekers with high-paying opportunities in the auto parts OEM sector. You can check their platform regularly to stay up to date.
4. Automotive Recruiters International
Automotive Recruiters International connects job seekers with opportunities in the automotive industry. They post vacant positions, from entry-level to executive roles, and also provide additional resources.
5. Auto Parts Warehouse Careers
Auto Parts Warehouse is an online retailer of auto parts and accessories. Their career page lists job openings for a variety of positions within the company, including marketing, customer service, operations, and more.
What are the Skills Required to Get a High Paying Job in Auto Parts OEM?
The Auto Parts OEM industry is a competitive and rapidly evolving field that demands a range of technical and soft skills from its employees. Therefore, having the right set of skills is crucial to landing a high-paying job in this industry.
5 top-level skills needed to get the best-paying jobs in Auto Parts OEM:
1. Technical knowledge
Auto parts OEMs require employees who have technical knowledge and expertise in engineering, design, and manufacturing. They must have a solid understanding of automotive systems, parts and materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
2. Problem-solving
Problems can arise anytime in the auto parts OEM industry and companies need employees who can think and find creative solutions. The ability to analyze complex data, identify problems, and develop effective solutions is highly valued in the industry.
3. Project management
Auto Parts OEMs always run multiple projects and initiatives at the same time. This is why they need employees who can manage these projects effectively. This includes developing project plans, managing timelines, coordinating with other departments, and tracking progress and results.
4. Communication
Effective communication is essential in the Auto Parts OEM industry. Employees who can communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing, are highly valued.
5. Analytical skills
The auto parts OEM industry generates vast amounts of data. They need individual employees who can analyze this data to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Top 10 Companies with the Highest-Paying Jobs in Auto Parts OEM
Continental AG
Lear Corporation
Bosch
Magna International
Borg Warner
Denso
Faurecia
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Aptiv PLC
Aisin Seiki
Table showing top 10 companies with their highest paying roles and salaries in the Auto Parts OEM sector:
Name of Company
Size (Number of employees)
Highest -paying roles
Salary
Continental AG
233,000
Director of Supply Chain
$220,000
Lear Corporation
165,000
Senior Manger of Operations
$220,000
Bosch
410,000
Senior Project Manager
$170,000
Magna International
157,000
Senior Mechanical Engineer
$165,000
Borg Warner
52,700
Senior Product Manager
$165,000
Denso
170,000
Senior Electrical Engineer
$160,000
Faurecia
114,000
Senior Project Manager
$160,000
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
160,000
Senior Manager of Operations
$160,000
Aptiv PLC
160,000
Senior Electrical Engineer
$150,000
Aisin Seiki
117,177
Senior Quality Engineer
$145,000
Which Auto Parts company pays the highest salary?
Continental AG pays the highest salary in the Auto Parts OEM industry.
What are the Factors Determining an Employee’s Salary in the Auto Parts OEM Industry?
The salary for an employee in the auto parts OEM industry is determined by various factors. Understanding these factors is important for employees looking to negotiate a higher salary or advance their work life within the industry.
5 major factors determining an employee’s salary in the Auto Parts OEM sector:
1. Education
The level of education an employee has can play a significant role in determining their salary. A higher level of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field, can lead to higher-paying positions and better career opportunities.
2. Experience
Experience is another key factor in determining an employee’s salary in the auto parts OEM industry. Employees with more experience, especially in managerial or leadership roles, are often able to command higher salaries.
3. Skills and expertise
As mentioned earlier, having the right skills and expertise is crucial for employees in the auto parts OEM industry. Those with highly specialized skills, such as experience with a specific type of manufacturing process or knowledge of a particular technology, are often able to command higher salaries.
4. Job title
Different job titles within the auto parts OEM industry come with different salary ranges. Higher-level positions such as executives or directors typically command higher salaries than entry-level positions.
5. Company size
The size of the company an employee works for can also affect their salary. Larger companies tend to offer higher salaries than smaller ones, as they have more resources and revenue to support higher pay scales.
Conclusion: Best Paying Jobs in Auto Parts OEM
The auto parts OEM industry offers diverse, high-paying jobs across various functions, from engineering and design to manufacturing and management. Job seekers can find exciting and rewarding career opportunities in this dynamic industry. With the right education, skills, and experience, you can earn a competitive salary and build a fulfilling career in this exciting and fast-paced industry.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Paying Jobs in Auto Parts OEM
What is the highest paying job in Auto Parts OEM?
Director of engineering is the highest paying job in the Auto Parts OEM sector.
Manufacturing engineers ensure that production lines are safe, effective, and efficient. They analyze production data for improvement, manage production schedules, ensure quality control, and develop/implement manufacturing processes.
