If you on cars, then at some point in your life you’ve probably considered a career as a racecar driver. And if you’re like 99.99% of us, that didn’t exactly pan out. Don’t worry though! There are plenty of jobs out there that still involve automobiles, even if you’re not behind the driver’s seat. Here are the top 10 best automotive careers to keep you around the vehicles you love.
1. Classic Car Restorer
Some of the most amazing cars aren’t from this model year or even from the last few decades. Unfortunately, classic cars are often neglected and subjected to the ravages of time. Restoring these pieces of automotive history can be a great way to enjoy your love for cars even if you’re not behind the wheel.
If you have any artistic talent, this can also be a great choice for you. This career requires a bit of an artist’s eye to look at a pile of rust and see the beautifully restored classic car that lies beneath.
2. Formula 1 Safety Driver
You might not be behind the wheel of one of those Formula 1 race cars, but there’s no better seat to watch the races than from behind the wheel of a car as the safety driver.
Sure, you have to spring into action in the event of a popped tire or blown engine, but it’s worth it when you get to be a part of the action.
3. Car Designer
Have you ever looked at a car driving down the road and thought you could make it look better or function smoother? Then becoming a car designer might be one of the better automotive careers to check out.
Put those design skills to good use to create the newest sports car or a new sedan that breaks all the gas mileage records. There’s nothing quite like seeing a car you designed cruising down the road to bring a smile to your face.
4. Mechanic
Sometimes getting your hands dirty is just what the doctor ordered. What better way to showcase your love for cars than to fix them when they break?
While becoming an automotive mechanic doesn’t require a college degree, it will often take you spending some time at a technical school or trade college, as well as a solid understanding of technology. It’s a worthwhile way to spend your time. You might get a few injuries along the way, but you’ll never have to worry about taking your own car to the shop again!
5. Car Wash Owner
If getting your hands dirty isn’t really your thing, maybe you should look into getting them clean — by washing cars, that is!
Consider starting a high-end car wash for people who love their cars but don’t have the time to treat them the way that they should be treated. It’s not any more difficult than starting any other business, and you’ll be able to experience some great cars along the way. Offering hand wash and wax services will bring in a variety of car owners and car lovers, and all of those people will trust you and your crews with their favorite cars.
6. Journalist
We’re not talking about just writing a blog about your favorite cars or your restoration escapades. Becoming an automotive journalist will get you access to some of the most amazing and unique cars in the industry, often before they hit the streets for everyone else, as well as access to car shows and interviews with industry specialists.
This job does require a journalism degree, but it can open up so many car-related doors for a car lover. It’s also one of the automotive careers that can let you drive some pretty cool stuff.
7. Body Specialist
No one likes finding dings, dents and scratches on their favorite cars. When they don’t have the skills to fix it themselves, they bring it to a body specialist!
You’ll have the chance to work on all types of cars from classic to modern and everything in between. You’ll also see the look of joy on your customer’s faces when you reveal the work you’ve done to repair their cars, trucks or motorcycles.
8. Automotive Salesperson
The salesperson gets a bad rap, but where else are you going to get to try all the newest cars when they hit the market? You have to know what you’re selling, after all, and there’s no better way to do that than to get behind the wheel.
If you like cars and you like people, try your hand at automotive sales and enjoy all of those test drives!
9. Claims Adjuster
This is another job that gets a bad rap, but that’s mostly because no one likes dealing with their insurance company after they’ve been in an accident, whether or not it’s their fault.
Still, you get to work with a variety of different cars — and be the hero when you help someone after they’ve been in a traumatic accident.
10. Programmer
This might not sound like an automotive career, but bear with us. With self-driving and autonomous cars becoming more and more popular, there will likely very soon be a call for programmers to help create the software that will make these cars safe and help them carry you from point A to point B.
This career would enable you to be around cars as well as get into the industry on the ground floor. Pretty cool.
Even if you’re not cut out to be a race car driver, there are still plenty of ways to put your love of cars to good use. Did we miss your favorite automotive careers? Let us know!