Scientific Research
Chemists
Chemists conduct research on new chemicals to use in batteries or ways to make existing batteries work better; work closely with engineers and other scientists to develop batteries and other technologies.
Material Scientists
Material scientistsconduct battery research and develop materials for other parts of the vehicle
Data Analysts
Data analystscollect mobility analytics data to help federal, state, and local agencies and companies understand EV technology, consumer behavior, charging infrastructure needs, and EV/grid integration opportunities. Develop EV technology adoption models for a wide range of use cases and future mobility scenarios.
| Occupation | Number of Jobs (2020) | Employment Change (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemists and Material Scientists | 92,400 | 6% | $80,680 per year; $38.79 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Operations Research Analysts | 104,100 | 25% | $86,200 per year; $41.44 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
Design and Development
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers design or improve equipment or devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products. Develop new battery designs and improve current battery technologies. Design equipment and processes for large-scale manufacturing and in planning and testing the methods of battery manufacturing.
Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical components. Design the electrical circuitry that allows a gas engine to charge the battery and distribute the electricity from the battery to the electric motor. Design the heating and air-conditioning systems, vehicle lighting, and visual displays.
Materials Engineers
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used in electric vehicles. Many electric vehicles are made of newer materials that are lighter and stronger than those in traditional cars. Materials engineers may also incorporate environmentally friendly materials that are derived from plant-based materials or recycled materials.
Mechanical Engineers and Drafters
Mechanical engineers and drafters prepare detailed drawings that show how to assemble machinery and mechanical devices. They are responsible for producing visual guidelines that illustrate the construction methods for mechanical components of vehicles. Most drafters use CADD systems to prepare drawings.
Software Developers
Software developers apply the theories of computer science and mathematical analysis to create and evaluate software applications and systems that make the computers run. Modern vehicles are extensively computer-controlled, and software developers create the software that controls these vehicles. Additionally, hybrid and electric vehicles use on-board computers to produce and distribute the proper amount of electricity to power the vehicle in given conditions. The on-board computer also determines when to use the gasoline engine to power the vehicle and when to use the engine to recharge the battery.
Commercial and Industrial Engineers and Designers
Commercial and industrial engineers and designers responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of vehicles.
Environmental and Safety Engineers
Environmental and safety engineers perform equipment safety design reviews, and hazard analysis, and ensure that production and operations processes are accompanied by acceptable health, safety, and environmental risk controls.
| Occupation | Number of Jobs (2020) | Employment Change (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineers | 26,300 | 9% | $108,540 per year; $52.18 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 313,200 | 7% | $103,390 per year; $49.71 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Electromechanical Technicians | 13,400 | -2% | $59,800 per year; $28.75 per hour | Associate’s degree |
| Material Engineers | 25,100 | 8% | $95,640 per year; $45.98 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Mechanical Engineers | 299,200 | 7% | $90,160 per year; $43.35 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Drafters | 191,800 | -2% | $57,960 per year; $27.87 per hour | Associate’s degree |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 40,400 | 6% | $58,230 per year; $28.00 per hour | Associate’s degree |
| Software, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 1,847,900 | 22% | $110,140 per year; $52.95 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Industrial Engineers | 292,000 | 14% | $88,950 per year; $42.76 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Industrial Designers | 31,500 | 6% | $71,640 per year; $34.44 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Environmental Engineers | 52,300 | 4% | $92,120 per year; $44.29 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Health and Safety Engineers | 24,100 | 6% | $94,240 per year; $45.31 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer Programmers | 185,700 | -10% | $89,190 per year; $42.88 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer System Analysts | 607,800 | 7% | $93,730 per year; $45.06 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 66,200 | 2% | $119,560 per year; $57.48 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
Manufacturing
Electric vehicle systems are more complex than a traditional internal combustion engine, so they require special manufacturing processes. Many of the workers involved in the manufacture of electric vehicles have previously worked in traditional vehicle manufacturing.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers build products such as electric motors, computers, electronic control devices, and sensing equipment. Some of these components may be too small or fragile for human assembly, so they are assembled by automated systems. Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers fit together the parts of larger components or controlling automated systems that are used for smaller pieces.
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
Electromechanical equipment assemblers build and assemble electromechanical components used in electric vehicles, such as gasoline engines, electric motors, and generators. This occupation is similar to electrical and electronic equipment assemblers. However, these workers focus more on the mechanical components, as opposed to electronics.
Hazardous Waste Technicians
Hazardous waste technicians conduct site inspections, provide emergency spill response, and perform the collection of hazardous wastes from manufacturing processes
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Engine and other machine assemblers construct and assemble engines used in automobiles such as gasoline-powered engines that are present in hybrid cars and may be responsible for other components as well.
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators
Computer-controlled machine tool operators use machines to fabricate metal and plastic components of vehicles. They may also be responsible for some routine maintenance of the machines or for troubleshooting if a problem occurs.
Machinists
Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Machinists are responsible for monitoring the machines and the quality of the output. Machinists are also responsible for producing small batches or making one-of-a-kind parts for prototypes or testing.
Industrial Production Managers
Industrial production managersplan, direct, and coordinate the production activities required to manufacture vehicles and vehicle components. They are responsible for monitoring the production run to make sure that it stays on schedule and for correcting any problems that may arise.
| Occupations | Number of Jobs (2020) | Median Wage (2020) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle engine and other machine assemblers | 43,700 | 4.3% | $45,770 per year | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers | 284,800 | 7% | $36,390 per year | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Electricians | 729,600 | 9% | $56,900 per year; $27.36 per hour | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles | 116,600 | 2% | $62,020 per year; $29.82 per hour | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Hazardous materials removal workers | 44,500 | 7% | $45,270 per year; $21.77 per hour | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Computer-numerically controlled tool operators | 149,120 | $42,260 per year; $20.32 per year | High school diploma or equivalent | |
| Machinists and tool and die makers | 425,300 | 7% | $47,040 per year; $22.62 per hour | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Industrial production managers | 189,300 | 5% | $108,790 per year; $52.30 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Telecom equipment installers and repairers | 195,800 | -1% | $61,470 per year; $29.55 per hour | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Maintenance
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles that run on gasoline, electricity, or a combination of the two. They plan and perform basic car maintenance and vehicle repairs. Fixing problems with the integrated electronic systems and complex computers that regulate EVs and their performance on the road requires workers to use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components as well as traditional hand tools.
| Occupations | Number of Jobs (2020) | Employment Change (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics | 703,800 | 0% | $44,050 per year; $21.18 per hour | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and regional planners plan and implement infrastructure upgrades to promote EV usage and determine how many charging stations are necessary to support a given number of vehicles and where to situate them to reach the greatest number of citizens.
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical power-line installers and repairers install and maintain the power grid—the network of power lines that move electricity from generating plants to customers. Electrical power-line installers install new lines that are capable of handling this increased electricity load required by EVs. In addition, many local governments are adding public charging stations that must be fed by new power lines. These installers place the new lines and connect them to the grid.
Electricians
Electriciansinstall charging stations and any other equipment needed for electric vehicles. When there is a problem with the charger, electricians are called to make necessary repairs.
Deployment Specialists
Deployment specialistsresponsible for operationalizing and catalyzing the critical factors associated with development, installation and construction of EV charging infrastructure.
| Occupations | Number of Jobs (2020) | Employment Change (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban and regional planners | 39,100 | 7% | $75,950 per year; $36.52 per hour | Master’s degree |
| Electrical power-line installers and repairers | 240,300 | 0% | $68,030 per year; $32.71 per hour | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Electricians | 729,600 | 9% | $56,900 per year; $27.36 per hour | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics | 703,800 | 0% | $44,050 per year; $21.18 per hour | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Sales and Customer Support
Data Engineers
Data engineersbuild software for retrieving, analyzing and visualizing data. Analyze material flow data and extract statistics for improved production control and customer experience.
Retail Salespersons
Retail salespersonsconduct financial transactions to complete the sale of a vehicle. The retail salesperson helps a customer identify the vehicle that best meets his or her needs and has to have knowledge of the features of various models and the specifications, options, and available types of financing.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives act as a liaison between customers and manufacturers or automotive service technicians.
Product Analysts
| Occupations | Number of Jobs (2020) | Employment Change (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market research analysts | 740,900 | 22% | $65,810 per year; $31.64 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Database administrators and architects | 168,000 | 8% | $98,860 per year; $47.53 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Retail salespersons | 4,092,900 | -1% | $27,320 per year; $13.13 per hour | No formal educational credential |
| Customer service representative | 2,923,400 | -1% | $35,830 per year; $17.23 per hour | High school diploma or equivalent |
Service and Energy Installation
Service Technicians
Service technicians perform EV repairs, equipment and pre-delivery inspections, and high voltage related work.
Service and Parts Advisors
Service and parts advisors act as a liaison between customers and service teams, collect the information about technical issues and customer needs, determine if a technical solution can be resolved remotely, and coordinate the processes of repair and vehicle puck-up/delivery.
| Occupations | Number of Jobs (2020) | Employment Change (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service technicians | 703,800 | 0% | $44,050 per year; $21.18 per hour | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Administrative services and facilities managers | 322,000 | 9% | $98,890 per year; $47.54 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |