Professional racing team at work during a pitstop of a race car in the pitslane during a car race

15 Exciting Automotive Careers You Should Consider if You Love Cars

Do you love the automotive space? If so, finding a job involving vehicles might be a good idea since it’ll allow you to feed your passion.

It’s said that doing something you love means never having to work a day in your life. That might be a stretch, but the sentiment is clear. If you find something you love and are passionate about, it won’t feel like “work.” The job will feed your passion and keep you intellectually stimulated.

Plenty of Options Out There

Men applying paint protection film on a car
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You won’t run out of possibilities since there are tons of automotive-related jobs out there. With that said, continue reading as we explore 15 of the coolest jobs to consider if you’re a car guy or gal.

Race Car Driver

Rally car driver sitting by the steering wheel and showing a thumbs up gesture concept
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According to Indeed.com, there are six steps to becoming a race car driver. You should develop your driving skills, become a member of a racing club, get a vehicle and related equipment, earn a competition license, practice, and seek a team or sponsor. 

Race Car Mechanic

mechanic from Ferrari Indonesia is checking the condition of the car through a laptop connected to the car
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Another cool job if you’re into cars is a position as a race car mechanic. Once you have the credentials to be an auto mechanic, it’s a matter of pounding on doors and offering your services to local racing teams.

Automotive Technician

Technician, man and arms crossed by car in garage for auto repair, service or safety in portrait. Mechanic, person and small business for vehicle maintenance with tools, parts or industry at workshop
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ConsumerAffars.com says there are presently 56,000 auto mechanic jobs available. It adds that by the end of 2024, more than 1.3 million auto techs will be required to meet the demand. If you enjoy wrenching on cars, like helping people, and want to make a living in the auto sector, working as an auto technician or mechanic is one career path to explore.

Automotive Journalist or Blogger

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Yet another option, if you enjoy writing, is to become an automotive journalist or blogger. You can produce content for blogs, websites, and online or print publications. It’s one way to indulge your passion.

Automotive Photographer

Automotive Professional Photographer with Camera Inside Modern Luxury Vehicle with Burgundy Leather Seats
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Do you enjoy taking pictures? Yet another cool job to consider if you’re into cars is a role as an automotive photographer. You can take professional photos for print and online publications. Combining writing skills with photography skills will increase your employability.

Performance Tuner

person installing Performance Chips on car's engine
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If you love modifying cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles to enhance performance, a job as a performance tuner might be a good choice. You can help customers improve their vehicles by pushing these machines to their limits with performance, handling, or power enhancements.

Driving Instructor

happy smiling indian man and driving school instructor with clipboard showing thumbs up in car
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According to one source, there are 7,084+ driving instructors in the U.S. But considering there’ll always be people learning to drive or refreshing their skills, there’s plenty of room for more driving instructors.

If you love to drive and wish to teach people of all ages to become safe and confident motorists, you might want to explore becoming a driving instructor. 

Classic Car Restorer

Two Guys Restoring Their Another American Classic Muscle Car
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If you love rolling up your sleeves and working on vintage cars, a job as a classic car restorer might be right up your alley or laneway. It can be rewarding to restore old classic vehicles to their former glory.

Automotive Test Driver

Man test driving a used car
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A dream job for an automotive enthusiast might be a position as an automotive test driver. In this role, you’ll test new vehicles before they hit dealership showrooms. After putting cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers through their paces, you’ll offer feedback about comfort, handling, performance, and other things to help automakers improve their vehicles.

Automotive Painter

Painter in protective mask painting automobile door
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If you want to become an automotive painter, the best route is to earn certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence after a couple of years of general automotive expertise, according to Indeed.com. While you don’t have to be certified, more job opportunities and higher salaries will be easier to get if you are.

Car Auctioneer

View on a blue 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB NART Spyder
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Yet another cool job is that of a car auctioneer. Day in and day out, you’ll help people sell all kinds of vehicles.

Pit Crew Member

pit crew members rushing to action
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Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you’re close to the action? If so, a job as a pit crew member might be worth considering. Find a motorsport team and apply for a position. You’ll get your adrenaline running as you perform tire changes and other things during races.

Vehicle Wrap Specialist

Car wrapping specialist putting vinyl foil or film on car
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A job as a vehicle wrap specialist will allow you to give customers’ cars some needed facelifts. You can prepare for such a job by enrolling in a community college or vocational school to learn the ropes. Another option is to apprentice under an experienced vehicle wrap specialist.

Automotive Software Developer

Engineer uploading software eeprom data to electric vehicle car design
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If you love cars and have a knack for technology, why not consider a role as an automotive software developer? The sky’s the limit if you have the skills and know-how. You can get involved in software projects for diagnostics, infotainment systems, and more.

Track Marshall

Motorsport race Marshal on asphalt circuit waiting on starting grid
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How cool would it be to get a job as a track marshall? If you’re at least 18 years old, have an interest in racing, and enroll in a marshall program accredited by a reputable marshaling entity, you’ll have the skills to get your foot in the door. You’ll soon be near the action, giving instructions to race car drivers during major races.

Consider These Cool Jobs

happy latin auto mechanic man checking car with clipboard gesturing show thumbs up and looking at camera in garage cars service
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These are some options to consider if you’re into cars and want a job that’s somehow related to the industry. Find something you’ll enjoy. Remember: the goal is to have so much fun that it hardly feels like a job.

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