10 Great Jobs for Car Lovers in the Automotive Industry

If you're a car enthusiast, you're in luck! The automotive industry is saturated with exciting job opportunities that allow you to turn your passion into a fulfilling career that can provide for you and your family. Whether you're interested in modifying engines, building slick vehicles, or sharing your knowledge and passion through content creation, there's an outlet for you. In this post, we’ll explore 10 great jobs in the automotive industry that are tailored for car lovers like you and their respective responsibilities. Most importantly we will only focus on jobs that offer real earning potential, so you don't go broke doing what you love.

1. Aftermarket Engine Tuner

Aftermarket engine tuning is one of the most thrilling jobs for those who understand the ins and outs of automotive performance. Tuners enhance engine efficiency, increase horsepower, and optimize vehicle performance to get the best out of a vehicle. While many people specialize in their specific engine platform or manufacturer in tuning, the automotive landscape is yours for the picking. After all, an engine is just a glorified air pump (regardless of the fuel needed to make that air pump productive in generating force) but it takes a real maestro to make all the driveline work in harmony. Making 1000 horsepower in any car is amazing but if the torque isn't managed to put it to the ground it's just classic one upmanship with no real use. If you have a knack for electronics, mechanical concepts, and powertrain systems this role might just be the perfect fit for you.

To get started try reaching out to your local performance shop to see if you can shadow or inquire about a tuning program like offered by Hennessey Performance Tuner School (https://tunerschool.com/about/campus/) or HP Performance Academy (https://www.hpacademy.com/). HP even offers a free starter course with the second portion being $9.50 USD currently.

2. Custom Car Builder

Have you ever dreamed of creating the perfect car from scratch? As a custom car builder, you get to turn a dream into reality. This job entails designing and constructing one-off vehicles that reflect your clients specific requests while reflecting your building style. It requires creativity, skills in welding, and mechanical aptitude, making it a perfect fit for artistic car enthusiasts who have the more hardcore skills and determination to make projects into functioning vehicles. Some examples of shops

3. Automotive Content Creator

In today’s digital age, there’s a huge demand for automotive content creators. Whether it’s through blogging, YouTube, or social media, car lovers can share their experiences, review vehicles, and give technical insights to an eager audience. This job enables you to engage with fellow enthusiasts while showcasing your knowledge and passion for cars. It will require a working knowledge of social media platforms, SEO best practices and basic editing skills. One of the easiest platforms to start on is TikTok or YouTube as a simple string of shorts can build your audience base fairly quickly.

4. Manufacturer-Specific Mechanic

Specializing as a mechanic for a specific car manufacturer provides opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology and advanced automotive systems. This role often involves prolonged training, allowing you to become an expert in particular brands and their proprietary technology. If you enjoy working hands-on with vehicles and have an affection for a certain make, this job is ideal for you. If you choose wisely and chase the right segment within the company you'll even get to put your name on the engine (like the Nissan GTR engine assemblers).

5. Race Car Technician

For those who thrive under pressure and enjoy the thrill of speed, becoming a race car technician could be the ultimate job. It’s a highly specialized field where you maintain and develop performance vehicles for racing teams. Every piece of hardware requires precision dialing, from shock rebound and stiffness to engine MAPPING for the ECU. It's not just about repairing; it's about optimizing every component for maximum performance on the track. Working diligently to bring your team the podium is the ultimate goal.

6. Automotive Sales Specialist

If you possess excellent communication skills and an extensive knowledge of cars, consider a career in automotive sales. Here, your passion for vehicles can translate into assisting customers in finding their dream car and tackling the financial hurdles to make those dreams reality. It’s all about building relationships and sharing your enthusiasm, making it a great mix of sales skills and automotive-love. If you are a fan of Ed Bolian, the charismatic YouTube star and face of VinWiki, he got his start working at Motorcars of Georgia. If you've got charm like Ed, this is the job for you.

7. Automotive Journalist

Combine your love for writing and cars by pursuing a career as an automotive journalist. Whether you’re reviewing new models or uncovering the latest trends, this job allows you to merge your passion with storytelling. You’ll keep fellow car lovers informed and entertained, making it both a rewarding and fun role. But be warned, the barrier to entry can be steep as it often includes relocation, or if it is remote you may be climbing the freelance ladder to reach a more permanent role. Write to your favorite author, reach them on social media ( X, formerly Twitter, as been the most effective for me), and really feel out if writing about cars is the fit for you.

8. Autobody Technician

As an autobody technician, you will repair and restore vehicles to their former glory. This job involves a mix of technical skills and artistry, especially when it comes to painting and finishing cars. If you take pleasure in transforming damaged vehicles back to pristine condition, this could be the perfect fit. A good stepping stone job into autobody work is detailing. Detailing will also serve as a great baseline to see if you have the eye for bodywork.

9. Automotive Engineer (Mechanical Engineer)

If you're more scientifically inclined, consider a role as an automotive engineer. Engineers are vital in designing new vehicles and improving existing ones. This job emphasizes innovation and technical problem-solving, which means you get to work on the future of automotive technology. Many engineers have even saved automotive royalty in time of need. Take for instance John Coletti, he saved the Mustang as we know it. Without John, we'd be looking at a 2024 Dark Horse Probe... It just doesn't have the same ring, does it?

10. Automotive Event Coordinator

Finally, if you love bringing people together, working as an automotive event coordinator could be a fantastic option. These professionals plan car shows, exhibitions, and enthusiast meets, providing platforms for car lovers to connect and share their passion. It’s a job that combines organization with a vibrant automotive culture. A good connection point for anyone looking to become an event coordinator is attending shows you enjoy and speaking to the current coordinator. Often times, these face to face interactions open the door to a job that was never presented as a formal job offering online.

Picking The Right Fit

The automotive industry is filled with exciting job opportunities for car enthusiasts. Whether you're modifying engines, building customized vehicles, or sharing your automotive expertise, there are plenty of paths to choose from. Take the time to talk to experts in the field you are interested in. There's not a better teacher than the worker doing what you hope to do one day.