Is Automotive Aftermarket a good career path? To answer this question, we’ll have to look at the different career options in the field and what they entail.

However, pursuing a career in the automotive Aftermarket industry can be a rewarding way to work hands-on with vehicles and technology.

The reason is that if you’re looking to take up a career path, it is necessary to look at the benefits and job prospects of that field.

Furthermore, This will help you make the right decision that will affect your entire life.

So, if you’re considering taking up a job in Automotive Aftermarket, then take your time and go through every detail we’ve provided about this career path.

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What is Automotive Aftermarket

Automotive Aftermarket means the after-sale market which includes maintenance and repair services and related value-added products, Mechanical Repairs, Structural Repairs and Non-Structural Repairs to Motor Vehicles, the sale of motor vehicle Spare Parts, tools, and components, and the sale and administration of Motor Vehicle Insurance.

Also, The automotive aftermarket provides motorists with a choice over how to repair, maintain and service their vehicles.

The automotive aftermarket is broadly split into two segments; dealer networks and independent, non-dealer repairers.

Furthermore, we would be looking at what aftermarket is.

Also, the market for parts and accessories used in the repair or enhancement of a product (such as an automobile)

Examples Of Automotive Aftermarket

They include :  

• vehicle parts.
• equipment.
• replacement tires.
• service repair.
• collision repair and accessories.

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Is Automotive Aftermarket A Good Career Path?

Yes, Automotive Aftermarket is an amazing career choice but it’s not for everyone!

 The auto industry has significantly transformed in recent years.

Although, the advent of AI and augmented reality enables autonomous and electric vehicles, how we think about transportation has shifted. This is an exciting time to be a part of this industry.

In the United States alone, auto manufacturers employ just under 10 million jobs across the country.

Careers in Automotive Aftermarket can be lucrative, innovative, and incredibly satisfying, especially for those who enjoy working with vehicles.

If you’re interested in a job in Automotive Aftermarket, it’s a great time to enter this exciting industry. ( source )

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What are the Benefits of  Automotive Aftermarkets?

1. Cost

Lower price is one of the reasonable advantages of buying aftermarket auto parts as the third-party manufacturers copy the exact make and model of parts without spending much on R&D. The cost of the aftermarket parts can be up to 60% less than the OEM parts.

Buying generic car parts can save you a lot of money on the entire cost of most bodywork and repair.

Many insurance companies prefer aftermarket parts for cost cuts, especially when they are just as safe as the OEM parts.

2. Wide Availability

The original parts are available at the original manufacturer only.

Given that you can only buy auto parts only at the authorized seller finding the components can be difficult sometimes. You might have to travel distances to get the original ones.

On the other hand, you have many sellers and makers to choose from in your locality. It’s also convenient to find generic auto parts as some OEM parts can be rare apart from being expensive.

3. Readily Available

The original auto parts can take more time than usual to reach you.

In many cases, the OEM car parts may not be available at your dealership, and you may be required to wait for the component to arrive.

However, generic car parts benefit you in terms of instant availability. You can usually place your orders immediately and get the part delivered to you much quicker.

4. Quality

There is a difference in quality between original and generic auto parts.

The component that needs a replacement can be replaced by aftermarket parts whose quality either meets or exceeds the OEM version.

The notable advantage of buying Aftermarket parts is they are also available at a higher price to outlast the OEM parts.

There is something you’d expect in terms of performance and quality. In simpler words, aftermarket parts that may cost as much as OEM parts are usually better in quality than OEM parts.

5. There’s a variety of Generic Parts

Even well-known manufacturers produce and release a limited number of genuine parts.

Another advantage of choosing Aftermarket parts is that multiple companies manufacture them.

As a result, there will be very many types of the same car part.

Since all companies do not produce parts with the same strengths and weaknesses, you are given a chance to choose from a wide variety, the part that best suits your needs.

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What Degree Do You Need to Pursue a Career in Automotive Aftermarket?

Each career path in the auto industry has different qualifications.

To become an automotive engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Strong math skills are also important for this career.

There are no strict requirements for an automotive sales manager, but most employers prefer experience in automotive sales.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing or business can also be beneficial when you are applying for positions.

An automotive mechanic needs at least a GED certificate or high school diploma.

Some employers expect you to have an auto mechanic certificate or diploma.

It is also helpful to obtain your Automotive Service Excellence certification.

Required Skills for a Career in Automotive Aftermarket.

Although they do not require formal qualifications for the job, parts managers generally have a great deal of experience of the automotive aftermarket.

• Sales Skills. …
• Product Knowledge. …
• Inventory Management. …
• Administrative Skills. …
• Sourcing Capabilities. …
• Customer Service.

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What are the Job Prospects for Automotive Aftermarket

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Therefore, The number of vehicles in use is expected to continue to rise. More entry-level service technicians will be needed to perform basic maintenance and repair, such as replacing brake pads and changing oil, on these vehicles.

New technologies, however, such as electric vehicles, may limit future demand for automotive service technicians and mechanics because these vehicles will be more reliable and thus require less frequent maintenance and repair.

The Job Prospects

Job opportunities for qualified applicants should be very good, whether they obtained their knowledge through education or experience.

Furthermore, Many job openings will be in automobile dealerships and independent repair shops, where most service technicians currently work.

Also read: What Do Transportation Jobs Pay in 2023?

How Much Can You Make From Automotive Aftermarket?

The average automotive aftermarket salary in the USA is $52,500 per year or $26.92 per hour.

Further, Entry level positions start at $33,094 per year while most experienced workers make up to $88,513 per year.

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If you’re a fan of cars, it’s time to turn your passion into a paycheck.

The automotive industry is highly versatile and exciting.

Although, Today, there’s demand for clean automotive technologies, which means professionals are needed to meet the needs of a low-carbon economy. There’s also more to the field than looking under a hood, replacing spare parts, and getting your hands dirty.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the automotive industry includes industries associated with the production, wholesaling, retailing, and maintenance of motor vehicles, which means a myriad of jobs that require a vast array of skill sets.

And the best part? The industry isn’t hard to get into. While every role requires some form of training, they can easily be mastered with the right education and training – even the high-paying ones. According to Indeed.com,

here are the top picks you should consider for a stellar salary in the automotive industry:

1. Quality testing engineer

These engineers are responsible for testing every component of a vehicle.

This ensures they function properly and safely, making it a critical role.

Although, They conduct crash testing, test electronics, system integration, wireless connectivity, and more. 

Their work includes developing a test case, executing the test, and resolving any quality defects they uncover. For all their hard work, these engineers take home a national average salary of US$90,562 a year.

2. Automotive designer

Automotive design is a highly specialized field that incorporates various types of engineering, safety, business acumen, and creativity.

The industry isn’t limited to automobiles but covers various forms of wheeled transportation. 

Designers in this field design the appearance, components, as well as ergonomics of vehicles.

While functional development is completed by a team of engineers, the aesthetics and appearance of the vehicles are left in the hands of automotive designers.

The national average salary for auto designers is US$89,471 per year.

3. Process Engineer

These professionals are responsible for designing, implementing, controlling, and optimizing industrial processes.

Their services are needed in a range of industries that span agricultural, pharmaceutical, mineral processing, and, of course – the automotive industry. 

Process engineers handle the engineering of the plant production process by maintaining automated systems.

They also resolve any technical issues that might arise. to qualify, an aspirant will need strong technical expertise in the automated manufacturing process.

They will also need to be creative enough to innovate new production processes. It sounds like a lot of hard work, but it pays off.

Process engineers earn a national average salary of US$87,000 a year. 

4. Automotive engineer

Automotive engineers serve in a team responsible for vehicle design, development, manufacturing, and testing.

They are also heavily involved in the marketing, sales, and after-sale processes of any kind of commercial vehicle.

Their jobs revolve around using sophisticated technologies to the fullest in a safe way that provides a smooth user experience.

Hence, You could also find them improving previously used technologies to develop new systems that are in line with market trends.

The role requires the ability to collaborate with other professionals in the field looking to meet the same goal.

The national average salary for this role is US$85,581.

5. Automotive sales manager

These managers take on the crucial task of leading car dealerships to success.

They do this by forecasting vehicle demand for their areas while maintaining inventory, managing the sales team, and training newcomers.

Their jobs also often entail initiating and negotiating vehicle trades with other dealerships close by. 

Ultimately, their role focuses on determining the most effective methods that can be used to sell vehicles to boost profits.

Do the same and you could earn a salary of US$67,034 a year. 

Conclusion

Is Automotive Aftermarket a good career path?

Automotive Aftermarket is unconventional. It is exciting, challenging, and time-consuming. However, the end results are undeniably rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions on: Is Automotive Aftermarket A Good Career Path

Why are Aftermarket Parts Better?

Aftermarket parts can be a favored choice. This is because they are typically readily available since many different manufacturers have interchangeable parts.

They’re also usually cheaper than OEM parts without sacrificing quality; usually. Unlike OEM parts, however, aftermarket parts are not all regulated or standardized.

What is the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means the parts are made by the same company that makes the vehicle.

Meanwhile, aftermarket parts are produced by different parts companies and are often designed to be compatible with as many makes and/or models as possible.

Why is OEM More Expensive?

Because OEM parts are made by a specific manufacturer to align with a vehicle’s exact specifications, they fit perfectly into that space. They are more expensive than aftermarket parts as a result

Are Aftermarket Body Parts Good?

Aftermarket parts come at varying price points and levels of quality, but because they are cheaper, insurance companies often prefer them. If you want OEM parts but are dealing with an insurer that wants the shop to use aftermarket parts, ask to pay the difference.

Who makes good automotive aftermarket parts?

America’s top 9 automotive aftermarket companies

• Robert Bosch
• Denso
• Magna International
• Continental Automotive
• ZF Friedrichshafen

FAQs

Why are aftermarket parts better?

Aftermarket parts can be a favored choice. This is because they are typically readily available since many different manufacturers have interchangeable parts.

They’re also usually cheaper than OEM parts without sacrificing quality; usually. Unlike OEM parts, however, aftermarket parts are not all regulated or standardized.

What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means the parts are made by the same company that makes the vehicle.

Meanwhile, aftermarket parts are produced by a different parts company and are often designed to be compatible with as many makes and/or models as possible.

Why is OEM more expensive?

Because OEM parts are made by a specific manufacturer to align with a vehicle’s exact specifications, they fit perfectly into that space. They are more expensive than aftermarket parts as a result

Are aftermarket body parts good?

Aftermarket parts come at varying price points and levels of quality, but because they are cheaper, insurance companies often prefer them. If you want OEM parts but are dealing with an insurer that wants the shop to use aftermarket parts, ask to pay the difference.

Who makes good automotive aftermarket parts?

America’s top 9 automotive aftermarket companies

• Robert Bosch.
• Denso.
• Magna International.
• Continental Automotive.
• ZF Friedrichshafen.
• Aisin Seiki.
• Lear Corporation.
• Flex-N-Gate Corporation.

References

• job-outlook.careerplanner.com– Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• myayan.com – Advantages and Disadvantages of Aftermarket Parts – Generic Parts
• u2b.com– Highest-paying automotive jobs
• ziprecruiter.com– What Are the Qualifications to Get a Career in the Auto Industry

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