As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automotive Engineer in Exeter, MO is $128,124 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, an Automotive Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Automotive Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Automotive Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineer ... Level Automotive Engineer | $83,848 |
| Engineer ... Level Automotive Engineer | $100,789 |
| Automotiv... Level Automotive Engineer | $127,575 |
| Engineer ... Level Automotive Engineer | $147,294 |
| Engineer ... Level Automotive Engineer | $170,248 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.9% |
| AWS | 1.93% |
| Programming | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oracle
|
$142,218 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$138,374 |
8%
|
|
Docker
|
$137,093 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$137,093 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$134,530 |
5%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$133,249 |
4%
|
For Automotive Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Automotive Engineer positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automotive Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $153,749 | $74.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Automotive Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automotive Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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