How much does an Automotive Engineer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Automotive Engineer in the United States is $138,459. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $127,290 to $150,259, with most professionals earning between $117,122 and $161,002.

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Salary range for an Automotive Engineer
$127,290 to $150,259
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Job Openings for Automotive Engineer

Automotive Engineer Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Automotive Engineer between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Automotive Engineer in each city.
Click to see the salary for Automotive Engineer in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $172,922
Washington, DC $153,302
Miami, FL $133,032
Chicago, IL $143,084
Boston, MA $154,424
New York, NY $160,460
Dallas, TX $136,728
If you'd like know Automotive Engineer Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
127290
150259
138459

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
134168
162181
147315
What is the average salary for Automotive Engineer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Automotive Engineer in the United States. The base salary for Automotive Engineer ranges from $127,290 to $150,259 with the average base salary of $138,459. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $134,168 to $162,181 with the average total cash compensation of $147,315.
Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $138,459 $127,290 - $150,259
Bonus $8,856 $6,878 - $11,922
Total Pay $147,315 $134,168 - $162,181
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.
Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Automotive Engineer, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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127290
150259

 

What's the difference between Automotive Design Engineer and Automotive Engineer?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Automotive Engineer is $138,459, and the average salary of Automotive Design Engineer is $113,704. The average salary of Automotive Design Engineer is lower than Automotive Engineer. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am an Automotive Engineer, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Automotive Engineer. an Automotive Engineer Salary in Riverside, CA is $146,088 as of April 01, 2025; an Automotive Engineer Salary in Bossier City, LA is $127,022 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
Why does the salary of an Automotive Engineer vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Automotive Engineer?
Salary ranges for an Automotive Engineer can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Jobs with a similar salary range to Automotive Engineer : Automotive Engineering, Airline Captain, Engineering Officer

Last Update: April 01, 2025