Automotive Engineering Technicians
Machines can already do 33% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 63%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Automotive Engineering Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 33% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 7% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 63% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 36,190 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $74,510 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 72% for contact with people.
- Also called: Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician), Research Technician.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perform or execute manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability | 14% | 20% to 60% | |
| Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools | 11% | 85% to 97% | |
| Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures | 11% | 3% to 30% | |
| Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts | 9% | 60% to 90% | |
| Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions | 7% | 40% to 80% | |
| Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces | 7% | 3% to 30% | |
| Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts | 5% | 85% to 97% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills automotive engineering technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians41% of tasks by 2035 · US median $56,550
- Avionics Technicians52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $82,280
- Robotics Technicians47% of tasks by 2035 · US median $73,900
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers43% of tasks by 2035 · US median $109,910
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Automotive Engineering Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of automotive engineering technicians?
Machines can do 33% of the tasks of automotive engineering technicians today and 63% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 17-3027.01 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Automotive Engineering Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/automotive-engineering-technicians/