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The automotive industry is one of the largest industries in the United States. It creates 6.6 million direct and spin-off jobs and produces $243 billion in payroll compensation, or 5.6% of private sector compensation. For every worker directly employed by an automaker, nearly seven spin-off jobs are created.
A wide variety of unique and challenging auto dealerships jobs are available that fit the skill level and interests of most everyone. In an automotive dealership career, you can find competitive salaries, great benefits and opportunity for advancement. Auto dealerships are modern, clean, air-conditioned and safe. Many jobs are high-tech and challenging as well as rewarding. Demand for employees is high, meaning potential job security and mobility.
Some automotive manufacturers and their associated dealers sponsor two-year Associate degree programs at postsecondary schools. Students enrolled in these programs typically spend alternate 10- to 12-week periods attending classes full-time and working full-time in the service departments of participating dealers.
Most new sales workers receive extensive on-the-job training, beginning with mentoring by sales managers and experienced sales workers. In large dealerships, beginners receive classroom training to learn the models for sale, methods for approaching prospective customers, negotiation techniques, and ways to close sales.
For trainee positions, dealerships increasingly prefer to hire automotive service technician graduates of postsecondary automotive training programs. Good reading and basic math skills are required to study technical manuals, keep abreast of new technology, and learn new service and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated.
From automobile service technicians to sales, there are excellent opportunities for anyone interested in making a career out of the American love affair with the automobile.
(Sources: Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)
