The auto industry is a vast and diverse industry with many different job opportunities available nationwide. Even more significant, the auto industry is constantly evolving, and new job opportunities arise regularly as technology advances and consumer demands shift. Below we have listed the highest paying jobs in the auto industry.
With the increasing focus on electric and autonomous vehicles, there will likely be a growing need for professionals with expertise in these areas.
There are numerous jobs in car sales for people who want to sell cars or are interested in Internet car sales or sales manager roles included Finance And Insurance, also known as F&I Manager.
There also jobs in the retail for those who are interested in auto parts sales, and numerous support positions working for auto dealerships.
If you have enough capital, you can eventually open your own car dealership, focusing on pre-owned vehicles or fleet cars.
Working in dealerships you report to the sales manager and other executives while you work to meet sales quotas. These jobs are available in both new and pre-owned automotive sales.
There are no major qualifications you need in order to get a job in car sales. It is important to have a clean, up-to-date driver’s license, as you may have to move cars around the lot or take potential customers on test drives.
Having a background in retail or customer service can be helpful because sales positions are customer-centric jobs where you deal with the general public. Other useful things may include taking some postsecondary courses in business or marketing and learning as much as you can about different makes and models of cars.
While a higher degrees are certainly not required, it may help you stand out against other candidates.
Highest paying jobs in the auto industry:
Automotive General Sales Manager
Average salary range nationwide: $100k-$200k per year (up to $750k+ in NY, San Francisco, and LA)
The responsibilities of an automotive general sales manager are to lead the sales team or department at a auto dealership.
The main duties include setting goals, clarifying expectations, team performance, assessing the market, developing estimates for future vehicle sales, setting clear objectives for the department, and collaborating with other departments, such as marketing Internet sales, and F&I department.
An automotive general sales manager may have additional duties, such as hiring and training new team members, approving budgets, and helping negotiate with each customer.
The duties of an Automotive General Sales Manager are the most critical to the success of any dealership. By effectively managing sales operations, overseeing the sales team, ensuring customer satisfaction, and building relationships with customers, the General Sales Manager can help to drive sales revenue and improve the profitability of the dealership.
Dealership General Manager
Salary range: $100k-$200k per year (up to $500k+ in NY, San Francisco, and LA)
Dealership general managers (GMs) oversee the operations of all the various departments within the dealership including sales, parts, and repair center. Dealership general manager often work with general sales managers to set sales goals for the sales team, create and manage the company budget, and approve contracts made in the financing department.
General managers often organize and manage inventory, oversee vehicle acquisitions operations, and develop strategies to increase sales and profits at the dealership.
General managers also hire and train new employees and establish employee compensation and benefits.
Pre Owned Sales Manager
Salary range: $120,000-$150,000 per year (up to $250k+ in NY, San Francisco, and LA)
The majority of Pre Owned Sales Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $150,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Pre Owned Sales Manager job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
Used Car Manager
Salary range: $100,000-$145,500 per year
The job duties of a used car manager include managing the used car department of an auto dealership. Your responsibilities usually include managing automotive inventory, marketing, sales, and deciding the price of each vehicle. You work on purchasing quality used cars for your dealership’s inventory and negotiating with retail and wholesale buyers. While overseeing the auto sales, you may liaise with members of the financial services industry to help facilitate financing and loans for your customers. In this position, you are ultimately responsible for setting and achieving sales goals.
Automotive General Manager
Salary range: $57,000-$144,000 per year
Automotive general managers work at car dealerships and oversee various departments to ensure the profitability of the dealership. In this role, you oversee the sales department, service and parts, and accounting and finance. Your responsibilities include motivating employees, planning events and promotions, and ensuring customer satisfaction. You also typically hire employees for upper-level positions like sales and service managers, plan goals for the dealership, oversee daily operations from an elevated perspective, and coordinate with staff members on record retention and financial analysis. Other duties include relationship building with both employees and customers. As an automotive general manager, you also adhere to the policies and procedures set out by the company, while making sure all employees do the same.
Automotive Sales Manager
Salary range: $87,000-$128,500 per year
An Automotive Sales Manager is responsible for supervising and motivating salespeople and promoting and encouraging strategies to sell cars and other vehicles. They perform typical manager duties, such as organizing schedules, training, interviewing, hiring, and setting goals. Their customer service skills must be excellent, and they are able to easily talk to anyone. Some Automotive Sales Managers sell cars themselves, but most are focused on creating the strategies, budgets, and promotions that empower their teams to sell cars.
Used Car Sales Manager
Salary range: $60,000-$126,000 per year
The majority of Used Car Sales Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $126,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Used Car Sales Manager job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
New Car Sales Manager
Salary range: $91,500-$124,500 per year
The majority of New Car Sales Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $91,500 (25th percentile) and $124,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the New Car Sales Manager job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
Automotive Internet Sales Manager
Salary range: $60,000-$100,000 per year
The majority of Automotive Internet Sales Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $100,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Automotive Internet Sales Manager job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
Automotive Salesperson
Salary range: $35,000-$100,000 per year
The majority of Automotive Salesperson salaries across the United States currently range between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $100,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Automotive Salesperson job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
Fleet Sales Manager
Salary range: $45,000-$99,000 per year
The majority of Fleet Sales Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $99,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Fleet Sales Manager job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.
Car Dealership Sales Representative
Salary range: $35,500-$91,000 per year
The majority of Car Dealership Sales Representative salaries across the United States currently range between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $91,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Car Dealership Sales Representative job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
Truck Sales Manager
Salary range: $40,000-$89,000 per year
The majority of Truck Sales Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $89,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Truck Sales Manager job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
BMW Sales Consultant
Salary range: $40,000-$86,000 per year
The majority of BMW Sales Consultant salaries across the United States currently range between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $86,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the BMW Sales Consultant job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Automotive Sales Representative
Salary range: $38,000-$77,500 per year
The majority of Automotive Sales Representative salaries across the United States currently range between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $77,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Automotive Sales Representative job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
Automobile Sales Consultant
Salary range: $47,000-$75,000 per year
The majority of Automobile Sales Consultant salaries across the United States currently range between $47,000 (25th percentile) and $75,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Automobile Sales Consultant job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.
Car Sales Consultant
Salary range: $37,500-$74,500 per year
A Car Sales Consultant is the face of an auto dealership as they are the ones interacting with customers. Car Sales Consultants are responsible for helping customers find the right vehicle that fits their needs and budgets and is the first point of contact between the accounting department and the customer, helping to make the car purchasing process as smooth as possible. You may also be responsible for the initial valuation of a used car that a customer may be trying to trade in or sell to a dealership. This means that Car Sales Consultants must be well-versed in the details of the cars they’re showing customers, as well as the basics, so they can speak to features and give proper valuations.
Truck Sales Representative
Salary range: $37,000-$64,500 per year
A truck sales representative works at a truck dealership selling new and used medium and heavy duty trucks. As a truck sales representative, you sell or lease trucks to individuals and commercial transport enterprises. Your duties involve communicating with customers on the lot and by phone or email to close a sale, providing information on available vehicles to prospective customers, and explaining truck financing, such as down payments, interest, and warranties.
Car Salesman
Salary range: $24,000-$55,000 per year
Car Salesmen assist customers in selecting and purchasing a vehicle that best suits their needs. A Car Salesmen is a key team member at any car dealership, facilitating all aspects of a car sale, from greeting the customer to closing the deal. They explain car features and warranty programs, administer test drives, and complete paperwork for car sales. Some Car Salesmen are also required to schedule car deliveries and maintenance checks, attend meetings, adhere to sales and business goals, and create marketing items.
Automotive Internet Sales Consultant
Salary range: $31,000-$50,000 per year
Automotive internet sales consultants provide online customers with information on vehicles, products, and services. As an automotive internet sales consultant, your goal is to sell cars and build lasting relationships with customers for repeat business and networking opportunities. You discuss vehicle options, then schedule a test drive and complete negotiations for the price of the car. Other duties include managing the dealership’s website with dealership inventory photos and information, setting appointments with customers, and maintaining records of sale for reports.
Dealer Trade Driver
Salary range: $21,000-$40,000 per year
As a dealer trade driver, your primary responsibilities are to deliver vehicles to dealerships and customers while keeping the vehicle in excellent condition. Your duties include verifying the vehicle identification and stock number match relevant paperwork, checking that all reference guides, wheel locks, and keys transfer with the traded car, ensuring the vehicle is clean and undamaged throughout transport, and providing pick up and drop off services for customers. A dealer trade driver communicates with customers as well as sales staff to ensure appropriate and legal transfer of ownership and customer satisfaction.
Lot Attendant
Salary range: $23,000-$31,000 per year
As a lot attendant, you move cars at car dealerships and businesses with large lots. Possession of a valid driver’s license is the primary qualification. Whether in a parking garage, car dealership, or other location, your responsibilities include keeping track of both new vehicles and those that belong to customers, carefully driving cars to parking spaces and pick up spots, and maximizing the amount of space available for vehicle storage. Your job requires experience driving both automatic and manual transmission vehicles. Other skills that will help your lot attendant career are customer service and communication.
Automotive Porter
Salary range: $23,000-$31,000 per year
An automotive porter works at a car dealership, moving vehicles and performing other tasks for sales and management staff. As an automotive porter, you drive cars around the lot and regularly inspect vehicles for damage or dead batteries. You may clean trade-ins and vehicles that are coming in off of a lease. Your responsibilities involve taking care of a license tag for a new car or filling up vehicles with gas. Other duties include preparing new cars for sale, affixing or removing stickers, and traveling to other lot sites to retrieve cars. An ability to drive in tight confines to maximize lot space is essential.
Service Porter
Salary range: $22,500-$30,500 per year
Service porters are most commonly found in car dealerships. They maintain cars and trucks, take stock of vehicles on the lot, and document information on the cars. Other job duties include refilling tires and gas tanks, keeping batteries at full charge, and cleaning vehicles. As a service porter, you also accompany buyers on test drives and move cars into position for the best possible display. There are other kids of service porters, such as housekeeping porters used in the real estate and residential services industries.
