Do you want to know How Many Jobs Are Available In Auto Parts OEM in 2025?
Then you’ve come to the end of your worries.
The auto parts OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) industry is a critical sector in manufacturing, offering a variety of career opportunities.
With advancements in automotive technology and growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), this field is expanding. Globally, there are thousands of jobs across design, production, supply chain, and quality assurance roles.
Positions range from engineers to assembly line workers, making it a promising choice for those interested in innovation and technology.
Grab a chilled glass of water as I walk you through How Many Jobs Are Available In Auto Parts OEM.
What is Auto Parts OEM?
Auto Parts OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer in the automotive industry.
It refers to companies that design, produce, and supply parts that are used in vehicles during their initial manufacturing.
- OEM Parts: These are the original components created specifically for a vehicle model, ensuring quality and compatibility.
- Examples: Engines, brakes, suspension systems, and electronic components.
- Key Role: OEM companies supply parts to automakers and sometimes directly to consumers.
In short, Auto Parts OEM ensures vehicles are built with high-quality, reliable parts, making them crucial to the automotive industry.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Auto Parts OEM In USA?
The auto parts industry in the United States provides jobs to millions of people across various sectors.
Below is a breakdown of key roles and their employment numbers:
1. Motor Vehicles and Parts Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1,041,100
This sector includes workers directly involved in manufacturing vehicles and their parts.
2. Automobile Dealers
- Number of Employees: 1,259,800
Dealership roles encompass sales, customer service, and vehicle maintenance.
3. Aftermarket Auto Parts
- Number of Employees: About 4.5 million
This includes those working in parts retail, distribution, and repair services.
Industry Impact and Trends
- Total Employment Impact: Over 4 million jobs, including both direct and indirect roles.
- Growth Rate: Employment has been growing at just over 1% annually for the past decade.
- Job Demand: The demand for automotive technicians has outpaced actual employment for over 10 years.
- Future Growth: The rise of electric and autonomous vehicles is expected to drive steady growth in the industry.
The auto parts industry continues to play a vital role in the U.S. economy, offering diverse opportunities with growing demand for innovative technologies.
Is Auto Parts OEM a Good Career Path?
Yes, Auto Parts OEM is a strong career path due to its job security and growth opportunities.
Here’s why:
- Consistent Demand: Auto parts are always in demand because vehicles require parts for manufacturing and maintenance. This ensures steady job opportunities.
- Ever-Present Industry: As long as people need vehicles, the industry will thrive, making it a reliable career choice.
- Eliminating the Middleman: Many factories are now handling their own sales, reducing reliance on intermediaries and providing even greater job stability.
- Room for Advancement: There are many opportunities for growth. Further education while working can help you climb the ladder and achieve higher pay.
The Auto Parts OEM field combines innovation, stability, and career development, making it an excellent choice for long-term success.
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The 5 Best-Paying Jobs in Auto Parts OEM
The auto parts OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) industry offers lucrative career opportunities, especially for those with engineering expertise.
This highly technical field values individuals with engineering degrees, leading to some of the best-paying jobs in the sector.
Below are the top roles ranked by salary, from highest to lowest:
1. Factory Manager
- Average Annual Salary: $95,000
Factory managers oversee all operations in the facility, ensuring smooth workflows, meeting production goals, and maintaining employee safety and satisfaction. While experience can lead to this role, some companies may require a formal education.
2. Mechanical Engineer
- Average Annual Salary: $79,000
Mechanical engineers design and optimize auto parts or the machines that produce them. A degree in mechanical engineering is essential, and this role often focuses on enhancing efficiency and innovation.
3. Manufacturing Engineer
- Average Annual Salary: $76,000
Manufacturing engineers create systems and processes to produce auto parts, sometimes managing entire vehicle systems like exhaust systems. This role demands a strong technical background and significant responsibility due to its impact on vehicle performance and safety.
4. Continuous Improvement Engineer
- Average Annual Salary: $74,000
These engineers focus on improving processes, facilities, and labor management to enhance efficiency. Success in this role requires a broad understanding of material handling, operations, and human resource laws.
5. Automotive Engineer
- Average Annual Salary: $72,000
Automotive engineers work on teams that handle all aspects of vehicle creation, from design to testing. A bachelor’s degree and industry experience are crucial for advancing to this position.
Each of these roles highlights the value of technical expertise, innovation, and leadership in the auto parts OEM industry.
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10 Entry-Level Jobs in Auto Parts OEM
If you’re interested in a career in Auto Parts OEM, starting with an entry-level job can help you explore your interests and build foundational skills.
These positions are great for those without a degree or those looking to earn while learning.
Below are entry-level jobs, arranged by role and responsibility:
1. Maintenance Technician
- Average Annual Salary: $47,000
Maintenance technicians ensure factory operations run smoothly by maintaining and repairing equipment. Though entry-level, experience with electronics and large machinery is highly valuable.
2. General Line Technician
- Average Annual Salary: $38,000
General line technicians work on the assembly line, performing repetitive tasks critical to production. With experience, they may advance to manage teams or ensure safety and productivity.
3. Machine Operator
- Average Annual Salary: $32,000
Machine operators handle and maintain factory equipment, often specializing in specific machinery. No prior training is required for many entry-level roles, but skill development over time can lead to greater responsibility.
4. Manufacturing Associate
- Average Annual Salary: $32,000
Manufacturing associates prepare materials, monitor inventory, and support production processes. Some companies require a high school diploma, while others prefer candidates with college degrees.
5. Electronic Assembler
- Average Annual Salary: $31,000
Electronic assemblers handle the creation of vehicle electronic components, a key area in modern car manufacturing. This role provides hands-on experience for those interested in electrical engineering.
6. Production Worker
- Average Annual Salary: $30,000
Production workers feed raw materials into machines, assemble products, or monitor equipment. It’s a common starting point for many in the Auto Parts OEM industry.
7. Parts Warehouse Team Member
- Average Annual Salary: N/A
Warehouse team members manage inventory, including raw materials and finished goods. The job involves counting, organizing, and physical lifting, with potential for career advancement.
8. Entry-Level Sales Representative
- Average Annual Salary: N/A
Sales representatives build and maintain relationships with value-added resellers (VARs) and customers. This role focuses on business-to-business (B2B) sales, ensuring smooth operations between manufacturers and retailers.
9. Catalog Content Team Member
- Average Annual Salary: N/A
This marketing-focused role involves creating product catalogs for aftermarket sales. A communications or marketing degree may be needed for advancement in this area.
10. Car Manufacturing Technician
- Average Annual Salary: N/A
Car manufacturing technicians take on varied tasks, including assembly, machine operation, testing, and quality control. On-the-job training and adaptability are essential for this position.
Each of these jobs provides a gateway into the Auto Parts OEM industry, allowing individuals to develop skills and grow within the field.
CONCLUSION
The auto parts OEM industry supports millions of jobs worldwide, offering opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, sales, and logistics.
With the growing demand for electric and autonomous vehicles, this sector continues to expand, creating more roles annually.
In the U.S. alone, it impacts over 4 million jobs directly and indirectly.
The industry’s steady growth makes it a promising career path for those interested in technology, innovation, and automotive solutions.
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