May 8, 2023 by Chiamaka Geraldine
The best-paying jobs in Auto Parts OEM include director of engineering and director of supply chain. They get the highest paychecks because their jobs require specific expertise and experience. Additionally, they greatly contribute to the success of their companies.
According to Statistica, the sector itself employs about 151,647 people in the US. There are also over 10 million people working in the industry globally. At a 4.17% annual growth rate from 2022 to 2030, this industry will continue to grow over the next 10 years.
What Do Auto Parts OEM Jobs Pay?
The average annual salary in the Auto Parts OEM industry is $50,000. However, the sector offers various positions with different pay rates. For instance, an experienced director of engineering working for a large company can earn up to $295,000 annually. On the other hand, an entry-level manufacturing engineer makes around $60,000 per year.
15 Highest Paying Auto Parts OEM Jobs with Good Salaries
1. Director of Engineering
Average Annual Salary: $295,000
A director of engineering oversees the engineering department and ensures that the company’s products meet quality standards. They also manage the budget, develop new products, and improve existing ones.
Directors of engineering earn high salaries because of their extensive education, experience, and high level of responsibility. To get this role, you need analytical, financial, communication, and leadership skills. Also, experience in engineering and management is necessary.
The educational qualifications for a director of engineering include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering. Many employers prefer individuals with several years of experience in the field. The job outlook for this role is positive, with a growth rate of 3% from 2020 to 2030. This position will also produce many jobs in the future.
2. Director of Supply Chain
Average Annual Salary: $220,000
A director of supply chain leads the transformation of the company’s supply chain operations and optimizes the distribution center network. They earn high salaries because they manage the supply chain, which is an important part of the business.
Directors of supply chain must possess excellent knowledge of supply chain processes and technologies and experience in any related field.
Companies require a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field before hiring for this role. However, some prefer a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.
The job outlook for directors of supply chains in Auto Parts companies is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it will grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. It will also create new employment opportunities.
3. Senior Manager of Operations
Average Annual Salary: $220,000
Senior managers of operations are responsible for managing daily operations, ensuring that processes run efficiently and that production goals are met. They also lead other employees and collaborate with other departments to optimize production processes.
They earn high salaries due to the complexity of operations management. This role requires leadership skills required to manage a team effectively. Additionally, process improvement, supply chain management, and time-management abilities are essential.
A senior manager of operations must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field is usually required.
The job outlook for this position is positive with a 6% growth from 2020 to 2030. It will also produce about 173,000 jobs every year for the next 10 years.
4. Director of Manufacturing
Average Annual Salary: $200,000
A director of manufacturing oversees product manufacturing and ensures production, performance, and quality standards are always met. They manage the production processes, ensure that it is efficient and cost-effective, and also delivered early.
Directors of manufacturing earn high salaries for their high level of responsibility and expertise for the job. They possess supply chain experience, process improvement, and project management skills.
To get this role, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field. Some employers require at least 5 years of related work experience.
The job outlook for this role will grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031. Despite the small growth, the position will create 15,400 job openings every year for the next decade.
5. Senior Marketing Manager
Average Annual Salary: $190,000
Senior manager of marketing develops and executes marketing strategies to promote products and services. They also conduct market research and collaborate with other departments to create effective campaigns.
They earn high salaries due to the importance of marketing in driving business growth and the creativity and analytical skills necessary for the role.
A senior manager of marketing must-have market analysis, branding, communication, and interpersonal skills. In addition, they need technical, digital, customer service, and marketing planning and strategy abilities.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field is necessary for this role. Also, some years of experience in marketing management is essential.
The job outlook for marketing managers will grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030. It will also produce about 41,000 every year for the next 10 years.
6. Senior Manager of Engineering
Average Annual Salary: $180,000
Senior managers of engineering are responsible for designing and developing new products, and ensuring they meet customer needs and company standards. They earn high salaries due to the technical expertise required for the role.
A senior manager of engineering must have leadership and strategic thinking skills to manage a team and drive innovation. In addition, they need knowledge of engineering knowledge procedures, project management, and communication.
Employers require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field for this role. The job outlook for engineering managers is positive with a 3% growth rate from 2020 to 2030. It will also produce about 10,000 employment opportunities every year for the next 10 years.
7. Senior Manager of Sales
Average Annual Salary: $175,000
A senior manager of sales develops and executes sales strategies to meet revenue targets. Also, they manage a team of sales professionals and collaborate with other departments to drive business growth.
Senior managers of sales earn high salaries for their sales and revenue generation input. This role requires leadership skills, sales strategy, relationship-building, and communication abilities.
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A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field is necessary for this role. However, many employers need individuals with 5 to 7 years of experience in sales management.
The job outlook for sales managers will grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030 and create 35,000 new jobs in the next decade.
8. Senior Product Manager
Average Annual Salary: $175,000
Senior product managers oversee the development and launch of new products. They also collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct market research, and manage product life cycles.
They earn high due to their input in successful product launches and business growth. Individuals vying for this role must have a thorough understanding of product management experience, project management, product marketing, and finances.
A senior product manager needs a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field. The job outlook for product managers will grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030. In addition, it will produce about 26,000 new jobs every year for the next 10 years.
9. Senior Mechanical Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $165,000
Senior mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems and products. They also conduct research, create prototypes, and test and analyze results.
They earn high salaries due to the technical expertise this role needs. To get this role, you need people management, technical expertise, creativity, listening, math, and collaboration abilities.
A senior mechanical engineer must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field for this role.
The job outlook for this role will grow by 4% from 2020 to 2030 and produce about 12,000 new employment opportunities.
