Automobile components OEM refers to the industry in which automobile manufacturers create original and authentic auto parts for their vehicles.
These auto OEM parts typically last a long time, fit the vehicle correctly, and are designed and installed by certified engineers and installers.
Looking for a job in the automotive industry but aren’t sure if Auto Parts OEM is a good career path for you? What are the jobs available at auto parts OEM? This is the article for you. Keep reading!
What is Auto Parts OEM?
OEM is an abbreviation for an original equipment manufacturer. Following manufacture, a vehicle requires various equipment to replace broken or damaged parts in order to ensure a longer vehicle lifespan.
People prefer to buy auto parts from OEMs because they don’t have to worry about the quality or authenticity of the parts for their vehicles.
Because aftermarket or third-party auto parts are of poor quality and come with no warranty, costing them more money to maintain their vehicle.
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Is Auto Parts OEM A Good Career Path?
Yes, Auto Parts OEM is a viable career option. This is a field with high job security. If you can get a job with a company that makes auto parts, you can be certain that there will always be a demand for that part or the next part that your company produces.
While this field is constantly changing, it is also ever-present, so people will require vehicles and all of the parts that make them run.
One area of the field that is changing, which is good for the OEM auto parts business, is that the middleman in sales is disappearing. More factories are developing this side of their own business, ensuring even more job security.
Another reason this job is so appealing is that there is always room for advancement. Yes, you may have to attend classes while working, but this is a great way to advance your career and ensure you can reach higher pay levels.
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What are the Pros and Cons of a Career in Auto Parts OEM?
Working in auto parts can be a rewarding career if you have the necessary skills and education. While this field is expanding, there are some drawbacks to consider before making the switch.
Here are some pros and cons of being an auto parts OEM professional:
Pros:
- Many people in this field have advanced skills and knowledge, making them excellent employees.
- Because this industry is expanding, there are always new opportunities to learn and grow in this field.
- Auto parts have a high earning potential, especially if you have strong skills and years of experience.
Cons:
- Because of the high demand for skilled workers in the auto parts industry, job competition is fierce.
- Auto parts OEM hours, like any other job, can be long and difficult at times (depending on the industry).
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What Skills are Required to Succeed in a Career in Auto Parts OEM?
Is Auto Parts OEM A Good Career Path? We can’t answer this question without talking about the skills. The following are the skills needed to succeed in an Auto Parts OEM career:
Sales Skill
Parts managers use their sales skills to sell replacement parts to fleet operators, independent repair shops, and service centers. They may also sell parts and accessories to the general public at a retail counter.
Inventory Management
Parts managers must have good inventory management skills and knowledge of computerized stock control systems.
Administrative Skills
Because of the size and complexity of auto parts inventories, efficient administrative skills are required.
Parts managers must establish efficient systems for tracking incoming and outgoing parts and organizing records of warranties, returns, and faulty parts.
Sourcing Capabilities
Part managers must have strong purchasing and negotiating skills to control costs and maintain the quality of their parts supplies.
They can obtain parts from various sources, including original equipment manufacturers, component suppliers who provide parts equivalent to original spares, and suppliers who provide low-cost replacement parts.
Customer Service
Customer Service Managers must have excellent customer service skills in order to resolve customer issues and build customer loyalty.
Parts managers should strive to develop strong relationships with their wholesale customers in order to increase and secure long-term revenue.
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What are the Education and Training Requirements for a Career in Auto Parts OEM?
Because there are so many different levels of employees and avenues in this industry, the educational requirements are all over the place.
Most people can enter the field with a high school diploma, but in some cases, this is not even required.
However, if you want to advance in the company or earn a high salary, you will need an associate’s, bachelor’s, and possibly even a master’s degree.
Associate’s Degree
Some certifications and associate degrees are appropriate for this field.
An associate degree in automotive technology is a good place to start. Still, you can also get degrees in engineering technology, automotive management, service technology, performance machining, welding, and other automotive or engineering fields.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in engineering can go a long way in the automotive industry for people who are more serious about their careers and want a solid educational background.
Master’s Degree
Regarding the highest end of the pay scale in auto parts OEM, engineers almost have a monopoly. You’ll need a master’s degree to be at the top of your field here.
On-the-Job Training
Every aspect of this field will necessitate some on-the-job training. Understanding the intricacies of this industry necessitates a focus on safety, efficiency, and productivity. All of those things are unique to your factory and can only be learned on the job.
Certifications for specific jobs
As you advance in your career, some positions may necessitate additional training and certifications. Welding, soldering, electronics, automotive engineering, and other specialized fields may be part of your future.
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What is the Salary and Job Outlook for a Career in Auto Parts OEM?
The global market for motor vehicle components is expected to grow from $2,336.07 billion in 2021 to $2,572.01 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1 percent.
The global market for auto parts is expected to reach $3,638.77 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 9.1%.
Those interested in a career in this field should consider the following factors. This industry will continue to grow as long as there is a demand for automobiles.
There is a high demand for auto parts. This sector is thriving, and the number of factories is increasing.
Previously, the auto parts OEM industry served as a bridge between manufacturers and consumers, but there are now more OEMs than ever before. The number of job openings grows in tandem with the demand for auto parts.
The auto parts OEM industry is expanding, and entry-level workers have numerous opportunities.
An entry-level job in this industry pays between $35,000 and $60,000. For experienced positions, you could earn up to $120,000 per year. In addition to these advantages, there are numerous opportunities in this field.
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How Much Can You Make From Auto Parts OEM?
All auto parts OEM jobs pay well; even entry-level employees in this industry earn a good annual median salary. How much money can you make working in the auto parts OEM industry?
For entry-level jobs in the auto parts OEM sector, the average annual salary ranges between $35,000 and $60,000.
In addition, the median pay for experienced positions ranges from $65,000 to $120,000.
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List of Best Paying Jobs in Auto Parts OEM
Is Auto Parts OEM A Good Career Path? Let’s talk about the best-paying jobs in this industry. Auto Parts OEM can be a lucrative career, particularly for those interested in working in engineering.
This is a highly technical field, and individuals with engineering degrees are in high demand for some of the highest-paying jobs.
1. Manufacturing Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $76,000
Manufacturing engineers in the automotive industry design the systems, machines, and processes used to make auto parts. They may be in charge of an entire vehicle system, such as the exhaust system.
2. Mechanical Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $79,000
After receiving their degree, mechanical engineers can pursue a number of different careers, one of which is in the automotive industry.
If you know from the start that you want to work in the automotive industry, there may be fewer options for an automotive engineering degree, but most schools have mechanical engineering departments.
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3. Automotive Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $72,000
Automotive engineers are typically part of a team that is responsible for all aspects of auto development, from concept to testing. What you work on is determined by the team and task to which you are assigned.
A bachelor’s degree and prior automotive experience are required for this position.
4. Continuous Improvement Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $74,000
This job, just like it sounds, necessitates constant improvement. People in this position are sometimes tasked with improving vehicles or vehicle parts.
However, people in this position are frequently hired to oversee facility and labor management in the most effective and efficient manner.
5. Factory Manager
Average Annual Salary: $95,000
The factory manager’s job is to oversee everything that occurs in the facility and ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
They may also be in charge of meeting targets or quotas while keeping employees happy and safe.
A factory manager’s job is demanding, but it’s one of the higher-paying positions that you can obtain through years of experience rather than formal education.
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6. Painter
A painter is in charge of painting all of the equipment. Painters must be skilled to provide quality work; organizations prefer to hire painters with trade programs because they are more qualified.
An auto parts OEM painter earns between $40,000 and $70,000 per year.
7. Electrical Engineer
Because many auto parts contain electrical components, electrical engineers are responsible for designing and testing the electrical auto equipment/parts.
Because the electrical engineer position necessitates education and experience, it also pays well; you can expect to earn $65,000 to $90,000 per year.
8. Product Designer
Although most product designs remain the same, manufacturers occasionally develop something new with their existing auto parts; a product designer evaluates each product’s design.
This job can easily pay $62,000 to $91,000 per year.
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9. Emergency Vehicle Installer
An emergency vehicle installer’s sole responsibility is installing, testing, and repairing vehicle equipment.
They are in charge of assembling and disassembling various vehicle models and installing electrical wiring in the vehicle. Their pay ranges from $20,000 to $70,000 per year.
10. Automotive Mechanic
An auto mechanic is known for repairing customers’ vehicles, inspecting engines, and replacing worn-out parts.
They assist in determining the problem with the customer’s vehicle and offer solutions to the problem. They are paid an average of #27.48 per hour.
11. Premier OEM Assembler Worker
They are well-known for using their tools alongside machines to assemble various OEM auto parts. They are also skilled at maintenance and the repair of basic components. Their annual salary ranges from $28.1k to $35.5k.
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12. Auto Damage Auction Inspector
Their daily duty is to inspect damaged vehicles, missing vehicle parts, and other mechanical issues that a vehicle may have when it is brought to them.
They must ensure that the vehicle is in good working order before it is released. The annual salary ranges from $37.8k to $478k.
13. OEM Auto Parts Sales Consultant
These individuals are known as the intermediaries between their company and its customers.
They assist in the recommendation of products to customers, receive feedback from customers, and are also in charge of taking orders from customers and ensuring that their needs are met. The annual salary ranges from $68k to $120,000.
14. Auto parts OEM Alignment Technician
They are in charge of mounting and dismounting tires and aligning tires and wheels for their customers’ vehicles.
They also ensure correct alignment before the customer drives away in their vehicle. Their annual salary is estimated to be $40.670.
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15. Automotive parts driver
Their job is to load items from the company’s auto parts warehouse and transport them to repair shops and other retail locations where they are needed. The hourly wage is $15.78.
16. Line Technician
General line technicians rely on what OEM auto Parts Company manufactures and what tasks must be completed.
Many jobs are assembly line jobs, and you will do the same thing all day. Some people take on responsibility for the entire line to ensure worker safety and company productivity. It pays an average of $38,000 per year.
17. Manufacturing Associate
The manufacturing associate organizes the production equipment and materials. Keeping track of inventory would help in various areas of the manufacturing process as needed.
Some employers prefer a college degree, while others only require a high school diploma. This is an entry-level position with the potential for advancement to management. The manufacturing associate earns $32,000 per year.
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18. Maintenance Technician
Average Annual Salary: $47,000
To a company’s maintenance expert, the factory itself is more important than the goods it produces.
Although this job was previously known as a janitor, it entails much more than just cleaning. Maintenance technicians typically perform a variety of tasks in the workplace.
19. Electronics Assembler
National average salary: $48,820 per year
An electronics assembler installs and arranges components within electrical equipment.
Additional tasks may include installing wiring or casings, fusing metal components together with micro-welding or soldering equipment, or performing quality assurance tests to ensure that all components and devices are built correctly and operate as intended.
20. Production Worker
Average Annual Salary: $30,000
A production worker is someone who works on the factory line. Their responsibilities could include feeding raw materials into machinery, assembling products, or monitoring the operation of a specific machine.
A production worker is a typical factory entry-level job, and it’s where most people who aren’t skilled start their OEM auto parts career.
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What Companies Work in the Auto Parts OEM Industry?
Below are some of the companies in the Auto Parts OEM field:
Dana Inc
Dana Incorporated is one of the world’s largest auto parts manufacturers. It is headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, and employs over 23,000 people in 25 countries.
Its products have been used to power everything from the Model T to massive earth-moving machinery.
Masuma Auto Parts
This Auto Parts is one of China’s leading auto parts manufacturers. Masuma has been manufacturing various types of auto parts since 2001.
Its diverse product line includes braking and suspension steering components, air filters, and electrical car spare parts, in addition to supplying car parts to various brands.
Tenneco
Tenneco is the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive parts. It sells Ride Performance and Clean Air products and technology solutions to a wide range of markets.
Tenneco is always innovating and looking for new ways to improve its products.
Accuride Corporation
Accuride Corporation, based in Evansville, Indiana, is a market-leading manufacturer and supplier of wheels and wheel-end components to the commercial vehicle industries in North America and Europe.
Its products include steel and aluminum wheel-end assemblies and commercial vehicle components. This company’s career path has been dedicated to auto parts OEM services.
Lear
Lear Corporation ranks #151 on the Fortune 500 and produces high-quality goods that are designed, created, and manufactured by a diverse group of skilled workers.
As a leading provider of automotive electrical and seats, it offers its clients a commitment to both personalized and global service.
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How to Get Started in a Career in Auto Parts OEM
Auto parts are a great way to start your career in the automotive industry. There are many different types of auto parts, and you can find work in various settings.
Here are some pointers on how to get started in the auto parts industry:
Do your research. You’ll need to know what kinds of auto parts are available and how much demand there is for those parts on the market. This information is available in trade publications and online.
Get some experience. If you have no prior experience in the automotive industry, you will need to gain it before working in auto parts.
Networking is essential. The best way to find work in auto parts is to network with people in the industry and tell them about your skills and interests.
Obtain certification. You’ll need certification or licensure credentials to stay ahead of the competition.
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FAQs on Is Auto Parts OEM A Good Career Path
What does OEM mean for car parts?
Is Auto Parts OEM A Good Career Path?
How much can you make from Auto Parts OEM?
Conclusion
If you have a passion for cars and a willingness to learn, a career in auto manufacturing is a great choice.
Working in this industry includes numerous opportunities for advancement and competitive pay.
The disadvantage is that learning all of the skills required to succeed in this field can be difficult, and there are few jobs that are completely secure.
However, if you want to work in the automotive industry as a technician or engineer, you should be aware of all of your options and select the best one for your career goals.
Before making a decision, thoroughly research each potential route so that you can be confident that your chosen path is the best option for you.
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