As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automotive Test Engineer in the United States is $71,787 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Automotive Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Automotive Test 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Automotive Test 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 |
|---|---|
| Automotiv... Level Automotive Test Engineer | $71,409 |
| Test Engi... Level Automotive Test Engineer | $80,312 |
| Test Engi... Level Automotive Test Engineer | $112,631 |
| Test Engi... Level Automotive Test Engineer | $135,938 |
| Test Engi... Level Automotive Test Engineer | $148,293 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Automotive Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.88% |
| Java | 3.23% |
| Automated Testing | 2.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
AWS
|
$76,812 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$75,376 |
5%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$74,658 |
4%
|
|
Linux
|
$74,658 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$73,941 |
3%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$73,941 |
3%
|
For Automotive Test Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Automotive Test Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automotive Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $89,734 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $86,144 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $86,144 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $86,144 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $86,144 | $41.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Automotive Test Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Automotive Test Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $72,482 and $75,542).
Automotive Test Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 5.9% |
| Associates | 7.3% |
| Bachelors | 64.9% |
| Masters | 20.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how an Automotive Test 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Automotive Test Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $67,828 in 2023 to around $67,628 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Automotive Test Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $67,828 |
| 2024 | $67,916 |
| 2025 | $67,628 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Automotive Test Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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