
This guide breaks down some of the highest-paying automotive jobs in the UK.
For each role, you’ll find a snapshot of what the job entails, core responsibilities, the skill set recruiters look for, and how much you can expect to earn annually.
Ready to discover where your next pay rise could come from?
Job Title | Average Salary (UK) | Classification | Barriers to Entry |
---|---|---|---|
PCO Driver | £41,600 – £62,400 | Private Hire Driving | Medium |
Uber Driver (London) | £35,000 – £50,000 | Gig Economy / Ride-hailing | Medium |
Automotive Engineer | £45,000 – £70,000 | Engineering / R&D | Hard |
Automotive Software Engineer | £50,000 – £85,000+ | Software / Autonomous Vehicles | Hard |
Auto Sales Manager | £45,000 – £100,000+ (incl. OTE) | Sales / Management | Medium |
Luxury Car Salesperson | £45,000 – £95,000+ (incl. comm.) | Sales / Luxury Retail | Medium |
EV Technician | £35,000 – £55,000 | Technical / Mechanical | Medium |
PCO drivers operate private hire vehicles in cities like London, offering on-demand transportation services via Uber, Bolt, and Free Now. Unlike traditional taxi drivers, PCO drivers must work with a licensed operator and accept only pre-booked journeys. Every vehicle driven for hire must be registered and regulated through Transport for London (TfL) under the Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing scheme.
Securing a PCO licence from TfL is non-negotiable. The application requires a valid UK driving licence (held for at least three years), an enhanced DBS check, a medical examination, topographical skills assessment, and proof of English language proficiency. TfL also requires the car used to meet specific emission and age standards—for example, Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) vehicles are encouraged due to London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) policies.
Driving as a PCO isn’t just a survival job. For many, it becomes a specialised and strategic career choice. With flexibility built in, this role suits those wanting autonomy over their schedule. Routes can be optimised for profit, peak-time incentives can be planned, and partnerships with multiple platforms diversify income streams, reducing risk.
Specialisation is possible by focusing on airport runs, corporate clients, or chauffeur-level services in luxury vehicles, each offering higher average fares. Some drivers even move into fleet management or invest in multiple vehicles to sub-contract jobs to other licensed drivers.
For those eyeing financial freedom or a stepping stone into vehicle leasing or transport logistics, the PCO route opens unexpected doors.
Automotive engineering pivots around the core of vehicle development — from conceptual design and structural integrity to performance analytics and system optimisation.
Unlike broad-spectrum roles in the automotive world, this path leans into deep technical expertise. Specialisms emerge in areas like drivetrain development, combustion optimisation, infotainment systems, battery storage, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity.
Engineers lead testing programs, participate in prototyping trials, and collaborate with aerodynamicists to reduce drag coefficients. Some move into advanced R&D roles, spearheading the design of concept cars or developing the next generation of zero-emission vehicles. The job isn't only about mechanics — it's where precision meets vision.
Entry into this career requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering. High-ranking universities often offer modules covering CAD software, thermodynamics, materials science, and vehicle dynamics. Internships and industrial placements during studies often open doors to employers like Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, or Rolls-Royce.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status adds significant advantage for mid-level promotion and design authority, and many professionals pursue postgraduate degrees centered around mobility innovation, advanced propulsion systems, or electric powertrain engineering.
Automotive software engineers architect the digital brains inside vehicles, designing and programming vital systems such as:
Each of these components demands millisecond-level timing, high fault-tolerance, and seamless integration with hardware. The logic must operate flawlessly under thermal stress, constant vibration, and safety constraints. This work defines modern driving comfort and safety standards, and engineers are handsomely paid for delivering it.
This career sits at the intersection of computer science and mechanical design, and calls for fluency in:
Software engineers in automotive settings rarely plateau. Their progression often leads to system architecture, technical lead roles, or even product management focused exclusively on software-intensive functions. Some transition into AI-based systems for driverless cars, while others specialise in over-the-air update platforms for EVs.
The value of software in cars now rivals the mechanical systems themselves. As a result, this role not only leads to consistently high salaries, but also puts professionals at the cutting edge of transforming mobility worldwide.
To get on the road with Uber in London, you’ll need more than just a full UK driving licence. Every Uber driver in the capital operates as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver, which means meeting Transport for London (TfL)’s strict criteria.
The application process often takes several weeks and includes a £124 licensing fee, along with additional costs for the medical, DBS check, and topographical assessment. Drivers must also complete a Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment as of 2023.
Uber drivers in the UK have a unique employment status. A 2021 Supreme Court ruling classified them as “workers,” giving them access to benefits such as minimum wage, holiday pay, and pension contributions. However, they're still responsible for managing working hours, vehicle costs, and self-assessment tax filings like traditional self-employed individuals.
High-performing auto dealerships never run on luck. They grow under the leadership of sharp, people-savvy Auto Sales Managers. These professionals bridge the gap between raw sales potential and consistent revenue growth, turning ambitious sales targets into everyday outcomes.
The Auto Sales Manager oversees a team of salespeople, crafting strategies that convert foot traffic into closed deals. The scope extends beyond the showroom, too. Managers often contribute to:
Top performers in large metropolitan dealers often exceed these figures, especially when managing teams that consistently outpace quotas. The commission structure typically ties earnings to total dealership volume and profitability, not just individual car sales, creating strong incentives to drive team results.
Auto Sales Manager isn't an entry-level gig. It favours professionals who already know the tempo of a dealership floor and can manage people with authority and empathy. The most effective managers combine:
Have you worked in automotive sales and felt ready for a step up? The jump to management brings higher stakes and bigger rewards. Waiting until you see a “Manager Wanted” sign? Real hustlers build that promotion in their results week by week.
When stepping into a dealership for BMW, Porsche, or Tesla, clients don't just shop for cars—they buy into a lifestyle. At the centre of this transaction stands the luxury car salesperson, a role built on exceptional knowledge of high-end automotive technology, persuasive communication, and an uncanny sense of what motivates affluent buyers.
This isn't about pitching a car, it's about embodying the brand. Whether it's the futuristic tech sophistication of a Tesla, the heritage performance of a Porsche 911, or the quiet luxury of a BMW 7 Series, deeper brand alignment sets successful professionals apart. Clients expect more than product specs; they demand authentic storytelling and tailored experiences that match each vehicle’s prestige.
Service doesn’t end when the contract is signed. Many clients expect white-glove treatment: private unveilings, test drives delivered to their home, and post-sale customisation follow-ups. Building long-term relationships often means staying accessible beyond business hours and curating ownership experiences that feel one-of-a-kind.
Want to talk shoptalk with a CEO? You’ll need more than vehicle knowledge. You’ll need confidence, presence, and the agility to pivot conversations seamlessly from carbon fibre benefits to finance plans within minutes.
Electric Vehicle Technicians already sit at the frontlines of automotive evolution. With nations phasing out petrol and diesel cars, this specialist role has surged from niche to necessity. EV techs handle systems far beyond the scope of traditional mechanics, lithium-ion battery arrays, regenerative braking systems, high-voltage wiring, and sophisticated onboard diagnostics that rival aerospace.
This role demands more than a socket wrench and a torque chart. Employers require technicians certified to work with high-voltage systems — missteps here don't result in a check engine light, but in real danger. Understanding electric motor architecture, battery management systems (BMS), thermal regulation, and digital calibration protocols is non-negotiable.
There's no need to guess where the big paychecks come from. Tesla regularly recruits technicians to maintain its Model series through service centres across the UK. Nissan needs EV specialists for the Leaf and upcoming EV launches. BMW, with its i Series, and Mercedes-Benz with EQ models, both rely on a new generation of auto professionals trained to service EV-exclusive platforms.
More than 20% of new car registrations in the UK in 2023 were fully electric, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). EVs aren't a passing trend — they're reshaping the entire automotive lifecycle. Techs who specialise now won’t need to reinvest in new training curves for decades. This career moves where the market goes: forward, fast, and electric.
Would your current skill set pass the high-voltage test? Or is it time to upskill and rewrite your future in kilowatts?
From elite high-performance engine builders to software engineers shaping autonomous systems, both hands-on specialists and strategic managers find ample opportunity for financial and professional growth.
Choosing a career path here requires more than paycheck-chasing. Align qualifications, interests, and long-term aspirations with industry demands to build a future that’s both satisfying and sustainable.
Some of the top-paying roles include:
Typically, a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering is required. Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and postgraduate degrees can enhance career prospects.
Full-time Uber or PCO drivers in London can earn between £35,000 and £62,400 annually, depending on factors like hours worked and vehicle type.
We have diverse EV Fleet to offer for PCO drivers in London.