The Car Parts Manufacturing industry is a critical sector within the broader automotive industry. It encompasses the production of a vast array of components that go into assembling vehicles, from essential engine parts to intricate electronic systems. Understanding the dynamics of this industry, including employment trends and wage structures, is vital for stakeholders ranging from job seekers to industry analysts.
This article delves into the occupational employment and wage statistics for the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing industry (NAICS 336300) in the United States, based on data from May 2023. This sector is a significant part of the larger Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry (NAICS 336000). The data presented here provides a comprehensive snapshot of the diverse range of occupations within car parts manufacturing, along with their respective employment levels and wage scales.
Employment and Occupational Structure
In May 2023, the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing industry in the U.S. employed 557,020 individuals across various occupations. This substantial workforce highlights the industry’s significant contribution to the national economy. The occupational structure is diverse, ranging from management and engineering roles to production and installation jobs.
Key Occupational Groups:
- Production Occupations: Representing the largest segment, with 351,330 employees, production roles are the backbone of car parts manufacturing. These jobs include assemblers, machinists, metal and plastic workers, and various operators who are directly involved in the manufacturing process.
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations: Essential for logistics and operations, this group employs 37,700 workers. These occupations ensure the smooth flow of materials and finished products within and beyond manufacturing facilities.
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations: With 32,700 employees, this category is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of manufacturing plants and ensuring the quality of machinery and equipment used in production.
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations: Supporting the administrative functions of the industry, this group employs 29,950 individuals in roles such as administrative assistants, clerks, and customer service representatives.
- Management Occupations: Leading and directing operations, management roles account for 25,360 employees. This includes top executives, operations managers, and various specialty managers overseeing different aspects of the business.
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations: Critical for the financial health and strategic planning of car parts manufacturers, this group includes 21,430 professionals in roles like accountants, financial analysts, and business operations specialists.
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations: Driving innovation and design in car parts manufacturing, this sector employs 37,120 engineers, drafters, and technicians. Their expertise is vital for developing and improving manufacturing processes and product design.
Wage and Salary Overview
The median hourly wage across all occupations in the car parts manufacturing industry was $22.31 in May 2023, with a mean hourly wage of $27.14. This translates to an average annual mean wage of $56,440. Wage levels vary significantly depending on the specific occupation, reflecting the diverse skill sets and responsibilities within the industry.
Wage Highlights by Occupation Group:
- Management Occupations: Not surprisingly, management roles command the highest wages, with a mean hourly wage of $65.69 and an annual mean wage of $136,630. Top executives can earn significantly more, with chief executives potentially earning upwards of $160.35 per hour.
- Legal Occupations: Although a smaller group, legal professionals in this industry earn a high mean hourly wage of $98.93, reflecting the need for specialized legal expertise.
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations: Engineers and related professionals are well-compensated, with a mean hourly wage of $41.34 and an annual mean wage of $85,980, highlighting the value of technical skills in car parts manufacturing.
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations: With increasing automation and technology integration in manufacturing, computer and mathematical roles are also valued, earning a mean hourly wage of $45.18.
- Production Occupations: While the largest group, production occupations have a lower mean hourly wage of $22.15. However, even within this group, wages can vary based on specific roles and skill levels, with some specialized production roles earning considerably more.
Conclusion
The car parts manufacturing industry is a significant employer in the United States, providing a wide spectrum of job opportunities across various skill levels and professions. The data from May 2023 provides valuable insights into the industry’s employment structure and wage levels. This information is crucial for individuals seeking employment in the automotive sector, as well as for businesses and policymakers involved in industry workforce planning and economic development. The detailed occupational data further underscores the complexity and breadth of the car parts manufacturing sector, confirming its importance to the overall economy and the automotive supply chain.
For more detailed wage percentile data and information on related industries, downloadable XLS files are available here. Further information on OEWS estimates for other industries can be found here.
Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 National Industry-Specific Estimates.
