BLS

Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Careers in Electric Vehicles

James Hamilton
September 2011 Report 4

lectric vehicles have come a long way since

General Motors produced the first modern electric
automobile in 1996. With the recent introduction
of the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, manufacturers of electric vehicles have made great strides in terms
of technology and consumer acceptance. Electric cars
are considered to be an important step towards reducing
petroleum dependence, protecting the environment, and
improving transportation sustainability. Many manufacturers have made major investments in electric automobile technology. The production of these vehicles will
provide employment opportunities for many workers,
particularly those with automotive manufacturing experience.
This report provides information on the relevant career fields in the production and maintenance of electric
vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric vehicles.1 The first sections explain the components
and types of electric autos, followed by a section that
profiles key occupations in the electric vehicle industry. This report focuses on occupations in research and
development, manufacturing, maintenance, infrastructure
development, and sales. The information for each occupation includes a brief job description; the credentials
needed to work in these occupations, such as education,
training, certification, or licensure; and wage data.

James Hamilton is an economist in the Office of

Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections,
BLS. James is available at (202) 691-7877 or hamilton.
[email protected].

Brief history of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles have been around in one form or another since the invention of the automobile. Many of the
first automobiles were powered by a battery and not by
gasoline. Electric vehicles even outsold gasoline-powered vehicles in the early 20th century. However, with
improvements to gasoline engines and the availability of
cheap fuel, electric vehicles fell out of favor. Throughout
the 20th century, several models of electric vehicles were
produced, but none became widely adopted by consumers.
The 1990s saw a renewed interest in electric vehicles
because of increasing concerns about the environment
and higher fuel costs. General Motors introduced the
EV-1 all-electric vehicle and began leasing the vehicles
in 1996. However, the EV-1 was discontinued after
several years. In 2000, hybrid-electric vehicles hit the
market when Honda introduced the Insight in the United
States, and Toyota followed with the highly successful

Nissan Leaf, all-electric vehicle

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Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

Prius several months later. In 2011, General Motors

began selling the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid, and
Nissan began selling the Leaf, an all-electric vehicle.
With these and other models, electric vehicles are
rising in popularity and sales. In the United States,
electric car sales increased from near zero in 1999 to a
high of about 350,000 units in 2007. Sales of all motor
vehicles, including electric ones, were affected by the
20072009 recession. Electric vehicle sales fell to about
250,000 vehicles in 2010. (See chart 1.)
Chart 1. Sales of Hybrid Electric Vehicles, 19992010
400,000
350,000

Differences between electric and

traditional vehicles

Vehicles sold

300,000
250,000

Electric vehicles share many of the same basic components found in traditional automobiles, but they have
unique components that separate them from conventional
vehicles, such as the lithium-ion battery and electric motor.

200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0

electric vehicle purchase. In addition, some states that

operate high occupancy lanes, known as HOV or carpool
lanes, allow electric vehicles to use them regardless of
the number of passengers.
The popularity of electric vehicles can be partially
attributed to the rising price of gasoline. As gasoline
prices increase, more consumers are turning to hybrid or
electric vehicles as a method to lower their expenses.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have
data on employment in the electric vehicle industry.
However, BLS is currently in the process of collecting
data to measure green jobs, including those jobs relevant
to the electric vehicles industry. Data should be available
in 2012.3

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Many consumers purchased electric vehicles in order

to qualify for tax incentives from the federal government
and some states. The tax credits and rebates were created
by the federal government in an effort to reduce dependence on petroleum and build U.S. leadership in electric
vehicle technologies.2 From July 2005 until December
2010, federal tax credits were available for hybrid vehicles; these have since expired and have been replaced
with similar rebates for plug-in hybrid and all-electric
vehicles. Federal tax credits are currently available for
up to $7,500 for vehicles, plus an additional $2,000
for the stations used to charge all-electric vehicles and
some hybrids. The federal government has also invested
in vehicle technologies to support the electric vehicle
industry, including research and development of batteries
and charging stations.
Tax credits are offered by some states. For example,
California offers tax credits of up to $5,000 on an

Batteries
Most conventional gasoline-powered vehicles use leadacid batteries. Electric vehicles, however, require large
lithium-ion batteries or other batteries that use new
technologies that provide more power and weigh less
than older batteries of a similar size. Batteries in electric vehicles must also supply a much greater amount of
electricity and recharge faster than those in conventional
vehicles. Thus, electric vehicle batteries are much larger
than conventional vehicle batteries; they usually weigh
several hundred pounds, need to be replaced after several
years, and can
cost thousands
of dollars. Scientists and engineers continue
to develop new
technologies to
create smaller,
lighter batteries
that last longer
and provide more
power.
Electric vehicle battery

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Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

Electric motors

Hybrid electric vehicles

Electric motors have been used for over a century; in

fact, they were used in some of the earliest cars. Electric
motors are powered by an electric current that creates
a magnetic charge and turns a driveshaft. (See diagram
1.) Electric motors waste less energy in the form of heat
than do internal combustion engines, so they are more
efficient. Torque (a measure of the turning force on an
object) and revolutions per minute (RPM, or the speed
that the motor turns) can be controlled by the electric
motor as it adjusts the electrical current fed through the
motor, even making a transmission unnecessary in some
vehicles.

Hybrid electric vehicles, commonly called hybrids, are

powered by a combination of an internal combustion
engine and an electric motor. There are several types of
hybrid vehicles, and they vary depending on whether
the engine or the motor is the primary source of power.
Some are powered primarily by an internal combustion
engine with additional power supplied by an electric
motor. Others are powered by the electric motor with a
gasoline engine as backup.
The electric motor is powered by a battery and
generator. The generator, which receives power from the
internal combustion engine, charges the battery and the
battery powers the electric motor. In all cases, having
an electric motor allows for a much smaller gas engine,
which saves fuel and lowers tailpipe emissions. These
vehicles may also employ regenerative braking, in which
energy captured from the brakes is used to recharge the
battery. This allows the vehicle to get better gas mileage
when driving in the city and in stop-and-go traffic. These
are currently the most popular type of electric vehicles in
use today. Models are available from many manufacturers, including the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and
the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Diagram 1 Inner workings of an electric motor

Diagram 2 Powertrain of a hybrid electric vehicle

Internal combustion engines

Most hybrid vehicles contain an internal combustion
engine as the primary source of power, with a battery
and electric motor acting as secondary power sources.
Because power is also available from the battery and
electric motor, these engines are typically smaller than
those found in regular automobiles. Internal combustion
engines in hybrid vehicles can also be used to recharge
the battery. Plug-in hybrids get most of their power from
the electric system and use the internal combustion engine to recharge the battery or to power the vehicle after
the battery runs out.

Types of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles can be classified as hybrids, plug-in
hybrids, and all-electric vehicles. Each type of vehicle
works in a different way and has its own advantages and
disadvantages.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles

Plug-in hybrids have an electric motor and a gasoline
engine like other hybrids, but they have a larger battery
and can be charged from a secondary power source when
they are in a resting state. Plug-in hybrids can drive anywhere from 10 to 40 miles using just electricity before
the battery runs out and the internal combustion engine
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Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

turns on to power the vehicle. The Chevrolet Volt is an

example of this type of vehicle.
Diagram 3 Powertrain of a plug-in hybrid vehicle

Converted electric vehicles

Some traditional gas-powered vehicles that have internal
combustion engines are converted to electric vehicles
that use electric propulsion. Because of the limited number of electric vehicle models on the market, conversion
companies often perform vehicle conversions for consumers who prefer a certain type of vehicle not currently
available with an electric motor. Businesses also do
vehicle conversions for specific types of vehicles that are
required for business, such as light trucks or passenger
vehicles.

Electric vehicle occupations

All-electric vehicles
All-electric vehicles, also called battery electric vehicles,
are powered by only a battery and an electric motor, and
they do not contain a gasoline engine at all. When their
power runs low, all-electric vehicles must be plugged in
to an external source of electricity, such as a charging
station, to recharge their batteries. Because their batteries are larger than batteries in other electric vehicles,
all-electric vehicles can drive for about 100 miles before
they must be recharged. However, they have no gasoline
engine to take over when the battery runs low, so these
vehicles have a lower overall mileage range than other
types of electric vehicles. The major benefit of all-electric cars is that they consume no gasoline and have zero
tailpipe emissions. The Nissan Leaf is an example of this
type of vehicle.
Diagram 4 Powertrain of an all-electric vehicle

Workers from a variety of educational and employment backgrounds are employed in the electric vehicle
industry, such as the scientists who conduct research in
electric drive technology, the manufacturing workers
who build the vehicles, and the automotive maintenance
technicians who repair the vehicles. Most of these occupations require specialized training or work experience
in electric vehicle manufacturing and maintenance.
This section describes some of the most common
jobs in the electric vehicle industry; for each occupation,
job duties are listed, along with the credentials needed
for the occupation, including education, training, certification, or licensure. Certification demonstrates the
candidates competency in a skill or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an
examination, or some combination of the three. Licensing is done by individual states, and typically requires
the candidate to pass an examination and to fulfill certain
eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of
education, work experience, training, or the completion
of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.
Wage data are also included in the occupation
descriptions. Although BLS does not currently publish
wage data specifically for electric vehicle occupations,
the wages listed represent the larger industry or industry
group that would employ the electric vehicle workers,
when applicable. Wage data do not include benefits or
other compensation.
Employment growth is expected in most occupations
in the electric vehicle industry in the next few years,
according to a study by the Center for Entrepreneurship
and Technology at the University of California, Berkeley. Growth is expected in manufacturing industries and
the domestic energy sector as the need for batteries and
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Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

charging stations increase.4 New types of automobile

manufacturing jobs will also be created; however, many
of these jobs will be filled by current manufacturing
employees or those that were displaced by recent downsizing of the automobile manufacturing industry. The
transportation subsector itself accounted for a significant
portion of the jobs lost in the manufacturing sector during the 20072009 recession.5

Occupations in scientific research

Scientists in this industry search for new knowledge and
conduct research to improve electric vehicle technology.
Both chemists and materials scientists conduct research
on improving battery life and recharging time. Materials
scientists also research and develop new materials for
use in electric vehicles.
Drivers who are considering the purchase of a plugin or an all-electric vehicle must take into account how
far the vehicle can drive before requiring a recharge.
Because of the limited availability of electric vehicle
charging stations, drivers will need vehicles that they can
drive long ranges before needing a recharge. According
to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 11 states

had no public charging stations at all as of June 2011,

and 16 states had 10 or fewer. (See map 1.) Because
electricity storage is the major limiting factor for electric
vehicle adoption, many scientists working on electric
vehicles are focused on improving battery technology to
allow for larger capacity.
To make electric vehicles a viable alternative to
traditional ones, scientists also strive to make batteries
that recharge faster. Nonelectric vehicles can be filled
with gas in a matter of a few minutes, while most current
batteries require several hours to fully charge.
Scientists also work on batteries to improve a hybrid
vehicles fuel economy. The longer a vehicle can be driven on battery power alone, the less fuel it will consume.
Improved batteries will allow vehicles to rely more on
electric propulsion and less on fossil fuels.
Scientists usually work in offices and laboratories.
Research and development (R&D) scientists work in offices, where they do research, and they plan, record, and
report on their lab research. Some laboratories are small,
and others are large enough to incorporate prototype
chemical manufacturing facilities and advanced testing

Map 1. Public electric vehicle charging stations in the United States, June 2011

Electric Stations
None
10 or less
11 20
21 50
51 100
Over 500

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

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Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

equipment. Scientists often work with engineers and processing specialists in industrial manufacturing facilities.

Job duties
Chemists investigate the properties, composition, and
structure of matter, and the laws that govern the reactions
of substances to each other. Using this knowledge, chemists working on electric vehicles find new chemicals to
use in batteries or ways to make existing batteries work
better. They work closely with engineers and other scientists to develop new batteries and other technologies.
Materials scientists study the structures and
chemical properties of various materials to develop new
products or enhance existing ones. For electric vehicles,
materials scientists are heavily involved in battery research, but also develop materials for other parts of the
vehicle. Structural and mechanical components made out
of lighter or stronger materials will be needed to make
vehicles more fuel efficient and reliable. These materials also may improve the safety of vehicles as well as
the environmental impact. In the United States, some
vehicles already have interior components, such as seats
and upholstery, made out of plant-based and recycled
materials that were developed by materials scientists.

Credentials
A doctoral degree is a necessity for scientists who
conduct original research and develop new products.
However, other scientific workers may find jobs with a
bachelors or masters degree. Computer skills are essential for scientists to perform data analysis, integration,
modeling, and testing. Certification or licensure is not
necessary for most of these scientists.

Wages
BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the
electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for
selected scientist occupations for May 2010. The wages
shown are median annual wages for the United States as
a whole; wages vary by employer and location.
Selected scientist occupations
Chemists
Materials scientists
1

Median annual
wages, 20101
$68,320
84,720

Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

Occupations in design and development

Workers who design and develop electric automobile
technology include engineers, engineering technicians,
and drafters; software developers; and industrial designers. Engineers apply the principles of science and
mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific
research and commercial applications. Many engineers
specify requirements, then design, test, and integrate
components to produce designs for new products. After
the design phase, engineers are responsible for evaluating a designs effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety.
Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs and to simulate and test systems. Computers
are also necessary to monitor quality control processes.
Most engineers work in offices, laboratories, or
industrial plants. Engineers are employed by most
companies that manufacture electric vehicles and their
components. Engineering is one of the most sought-after
occupations in the automobile manufacturing industry.
Engineers work in teams with other engineers, scientists, and industrial production managers to create new
processes or devices for the manufacture of electric
vehiclesor to improve existing ones.
In addition to engineers, several other occupations
are important to the design and development process.
Engineering technicians and mechanical drafters assist
engineers with design work and other tasks. Software
developers create the software that is used to control
the various systems of the vehicle, including the engine,
battery, generator, and electric motor. Finally, industrial
designers are responsible for the overall design of the
vehicle and major components.

Job duties
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to
design or improve equipment or to devise processes for
manufacturing chemicals and products. Because the batteries of electric vehicles store power through chemical
processes, chemical engineers are responsible for developing new battery designs and improving current battery
technologies. They are also vital in designing equipment
and processes for large-scale manufacturing and in planning and testing the methods of battery manufacturing.
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical components. They
are responsible for designing the electrical circuitry that

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Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

Chevrolet Volt, plug-in hybrid

allows a gas engine to charge the battery and distribute

the electricity from the battery to the electric motor.
Electrical engineers also might work on the heating and
air-conditioning systems, vehicle lighting, and visual
displays.
Electronics engineers design, develop, and test electronic components and systems for vehicles. These engineers are primarily focused on the control systems and
additional electronic components for the vehicle. They
are different from electrical engineers in that they do not
focus on the generation and distribution of electricity.
Industrial engineers determine the most effective
ways to use the basic factors of productionpeople, machines, materials, information, and energyto manufacture vehicles. They are concerned primarily with increasing productivity through the management of people, use
of technology, and improvement of production methods.
Because many electric vehicles require original manufacturing plans, industrial engineers design innovative
manufacturing processes and retool plants that formerly
made different models of cars.
Materials engineers are involved in the development, processing, and testing of 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 design, develop, and test the
tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices
in electric vehicles. These devices may be components

of electric vehicles, or
machines that are used in
the manufacture or repair
of these vehicles. These
engineers may focus on
engines, electric motors, or
other mechanical devices,
such as transmissions,
drivetrains, or steering
systems.
Mechanical
engineering technicians
assist engineers with solving technical problems in
research, development,
manufacturing, construction, inspection, and
maintenance. Their work
is more narrowly focused
and is more oriented toward applications than that of engineers or scientists. Engineering technicians will build
or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments,
collect data, and calculate or record results. They may
also help engineers or scientists to make prototypes of
newly designed equipment or assist with computer-aided
design and drafting (CADD) equipment.
Mechanical 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 design and create software.
They 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. In addition, 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 designers are responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of vehicles.
When they are designing a vehicle or vehicle component,
designers must take into account the preferences of
potential consumers as well as the production abilities of
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 7

Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

manufacturers. The designers must work with engineers

and other members of the production team to ensure
that the vehicles meet specified requirements. They then
prepare sketches or diagrams, usually with the aid of
computers, and work with engineers and other designers
to improve a design.

shown are median annual wages for the United States as

a whole; wages vary by employer and location.
Selected design and development
occupations in transportation
equipment manufacturing

Median annual
wages, 20101

Chemical engineers

$97,480

Credentials

Electrical engineers

87,580

Engineers typically enter the electric vehicle industry

with a bachelors degree or higher in engineering. However, some positions require previous experience or an
advanced degree. Entry-level engineers may begin their
career as an assistant to a more senior engineer until they
develop the skills needed to work independently. Engineers are also expected to complete continuing education
courses to keep up with rapidly changing technology.
Specialized programs for engineering students who
wish to work on electric or alternative fuel vehicles are
available through the Department of Energys Graduate
Automotive Technology Education (GATE) program.
The GATE program has educational programs at centers
at eight universities nationwide.6
Engineers are usually required to be certified in
specific systems and technologies, depending on the
systems used by a particular manufacturer. Licensure as
a professional engineer (PE) is highly desired by employers and is often required for anything higher than an
entry-level position.
Engineering technicians and drafters usually have
an associates degree or certification from a community
college or a technical school. Technicians and drafters
participate in on-the-job training and are closely supervised by engineers.
Software developers typically need at least a bachelors degree in computer science or a related discipline,
combined with experience in computer programming
and software design.
Commercial and industrial designers also typically
have at least a bachelors degree in engineering or industrial design, and they usually receive some on-the-job
training.

Electronics engineers, except

computer

100,450

Industrial engineers

77,160

Materials engineers

89,000

Mechanical engineers

81,290

Mechanical engineering technicians

52,950

Mechanical drafters

53,840

Software developers, applications

94,680

Commercial and industrial designers

67,790

Wages
BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the
electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for
selected engineers, mechanical engineering technicians,
drafters, software developers, and commercial and
industrial designers in the transportation equipment
manufacturing industry group for May 2010. The wages

Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

Occupations in manufacturing
Manufacturing electric vehicles is a complex process
that requires a large, skilled workforce. 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. Automotive manufacturing occupations tend to be clustered around traditional industrial centers in the Great Lakes region and
the Midwest. The largest concentrations of these jobs are
in Michigan and Ohio, but automobile manufacturing
plants are located in other states as well. Manufacturing jobs in the electric vehicle industry include various
assemblers, machine tool operators, machinists, and
industrial production managers.
Finished vehicles are manufactured by a few large
auto companies, but many of the vehicles parts are made
by smaller companies that specialize in individual components. These smaller pieces are then sold to the larger
auto manufacturers.
Many of the occupations involved in manufacturing electric vehicles are also involved in the manufacture of vehicle charging stations, which are necessary
for most types of plug-in hybrid vehicles and all types
of battery-electric vehicles. These stations are usually
purchased along with the vehicle and installed at the

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8

Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

owners home or workplace. In addition, commercial

charging stations have been installed throughout the
country. (See map 1.) These stations are owned by private companies or government agencies and are available for electric vehicle owners to recharge their vehicles
when away from home or work.
Manufacturing workers usually work in large
automotive assembly plants. These plants are usually
quite noisy because they are filled with robotic devices,
powerful machines, and hydraulic lifts. Safety conditions
in assembly plants have improved considerably over the
past several decades. However, manufacturing workers
might use machinery or chemicals that require special
handling.

Job duties
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 use a
variety of tools to 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.
Engine and other machine assemblers construct
and assemble engines used in automobiles. They put
together the gasoline-powered engines that are present
in hybrid cars and may be responsible for other components as well.
Team assemblers work on a variety of manufacturing tasks. They may work on a traditional assembly line
or in a so-called lean manufacturing system, in which
they may rotate between several different types of assembly work. These workers are usually on a team that
completes the final assembly of a vehicle. They may also
assemble vehicle components that are not electrical or
mechanical in nature, such as interiors or the body and
frame of the vehicle.
Computer-controlled machine tool operators use
machines to fabricate metal and plastic components of
vehicles. To set up the machine for certain operations,
they download a program and fix the appropriate tools
into the machine. After positioning the piece that is
being worked on, computer-controlled machine tool operators start the machine. They may also be responsible
for some routine maintenance of the machines or for
troubleshooting if a problem occurs.
Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes,
milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision
metal parts. Producing large quantities of a single part
may be partially or fully automated, and 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.
If many more pieces are
needed, they are often massproduced using computercontrolled machines.
Industrial production
managers plan, direct, and
coordinate the production
activities required to manufacture vehicles and vehicle
components. They make
sure that goals for output
and quality are met while
still remaining within budget. They are responsible

Automobile assembly
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 9

Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

for monitoring the production run to make sure that it

stays on schedule and for correcting any problems that
may arise. Depending on the size of a manufacturing
plant, industrial production managers may oversee the
entire plant or just one area of it.

Credentials
Manufacturing workers have a variety of skill levels.
Most assembly positions require short-term on-the-job
training to familiarize workers with production processes
and with any equipment they use. Experienced assemblers may be promoted to supervisory positions after
several years of working on the assembly line. Computer-controlled machine tool operators are usually trained
on the job. Machinists require more training, and they often learn their trade through an apprenticeship that lasts
3 to 5 years.
Industrial production managers usually have at least
a bachelors degree, typically in an engineering discipline, such as mechanical or industrial engineering, and
several years of experience working in the automobile
manufacturing industry.

Automotive service technician

Occupations in electric vehicle maintenance

As with any vehicle, electric vehicles need to be occasionally maintained and repaired. Much of the routine
maintenance and repair work can be done by normal
repair workers, but the electrical systems and drivetrain
will often need skilled workers familiar with electric vehicles.7 Repairing or installing electric vehicle batteries
requires workers who are trained to work with specific
types of batteries. Batteries need to be replaced every
few years depending on usage and type of battery.

Wages

Job duties

BLS does not currently have wage data specific to the

electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for
selected manufacturing occupations in the transportation equipment manufacturing industry group for May
2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the
United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and
location.

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. The
job of automotive service technicians and mechanics
has evolved from simple mechanical repairs to highlevel technology-related work. Integrated electronic
systems and complex computers regulate vehicles and
their performance on the road. Fixing problems with
these systems requires workers to use computerized shop
equipment and work with electronic components as well
as traditional hand tools.

Selected manufacturing occupations

in transportation equipment
manufacturing
Electrical and electronic equipment
assemblers

Median annual
wages, 20101

$29,470

Electromechanical equipment
assemblers

32,430

Engine and other machine

assemblers

47,440

Team assemblers

32,500

Computer-controlled machine tool

operators, metal and plastic

35,580

Machinists

40,810

Industrial production managers

91,460

Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

Credentials
Automotive service technicians and mechanics are
increasingly required to have formal training because of
the rapidly growing sophistication of automotive technology. Training typically begins in high school or a
postsecondary vocational school or community college.
Certification from the National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE) is usually required to work
for larger repair shops or at dealerships. Formal education programs can last from a few weeks of on-the-job

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Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

training to a 2-year associates degree. On-the-job training is necessary before a worker can begin to work independently. It typically takes 2 to 5 years of experience to
become a fully qualified automotive service technician
through ASE.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics need
special skills and knowledge to work on electric vehicles. Electric vehicles use new and unique technologies,
so technicians generally are trained to work on a particular type of vehicle and often specialize in vehicles made
by a single manufacturer. Auto manufacturers typically
provide this specialized training to technicians and mechanics. Workers are usually sent by their employers to
formal training courses to gain certification on a particular vehicle type.
Programs, such as the National Alternative Fuels
Training Consortium (NAFTC), have been developed to
train workers on a wide variety of skills needed to work
on electric or alternative fuel vehicles.8 NAFTC provides
curricula and training to secondary and postsecondary
students studying automotive technology as well as automotive technicians who are already working in the field.

Wages
BLS does not currently have wage data specific to the
electric vehicle industry. The median annual wage for
automotive service technicians and mechanics in the
automotive repair and maintenance industry group was
$33,010 for May 2010. The wage is for the United States
as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupations in infrastructure development

As the number of plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles on the road increases, there will be a growing need
for charging stations to charge them. Electric vehicles
require special charging stations and increased capacity
of electric grids. Most of these chargers will be in the
homes of electric vehicle owners or in public charging
stations. Public charging stations are needed to recharge
vehicles for people away from their home chargers.
Building charging stations will require changes to
existing infrastructure. Many large utilities companies
and some large citiesare already developing plans to
handle growing numbers of electric vehicles. Urban and
regional planners will be involved in planning the infrastructure upgrades, while electrical power-line installers
and repairers will lay the wires that carry this extra electricity. Electricians will install the charging stations.

According to a study by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of California,
Berkeley, the largest source of job creation related to
alternative fuel vehicles is expected to come from the
construction of a nationwide charging infrastructure.9
NAFTC also provides training for electrical infrastructure engineers and installers.

Job duties
Urban and regional planners plan and implement infrastructure upgrades to support electric vehicles. Several
cities and local governments are taking an active role in
promoting and increasing electric vehicle usage. To facilitate adoption of these vehicles, city and local government officials are introducing improvements that must
be made to municipal electric systems so that public
charging stations are available to electric vehicle owners.
Urban and regional planners determine how many charging stations are necessary to support a given number of
vehicles, as well as where to situate them to reach the
greatest number of citizens.
Electrical power-line installers and repairers install
and maintain the power gridthe network of power
lines that move electricity from generating plants to
customers. Many electric vehicles require special power
stations to charge their batteries, and owners of these
vehicles require more electricity than ordinary consumers. Electrical power-line installers install new lines that
are capable of handling this increased load. 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 install charging stations and any other
equipment needed for electric vehicles. They attach the
charging stations to lines
that have been installed
by electrical power-line
installers and ensure that
the chargers are working
properly. When there is a
problem with the charger,
electricians are called to
make necessary repairs.

Credentials
Urban and regional planners typically work for
local or state governments
and enter the field with a

Electric vehicle charging station

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 11

Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

masters degree in urban or regional planning or a related

field. Some urban and regional planners may be certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners if
they have the appropriate combination of education and
professional experience, and pass an examination.
Electrical power-line installers and repairers must
have a high school diploma or equivalent and have basic
math and reading skills. Technical knowledge of electricity is helpful but not required for entry into this field.
Installers and repairers receive 1 to 5 years of on-the-job
training from their employer. Safety is constantly emphasized during training because working with high voltage
electricity can be dangerous.
Electricians should have a high school diploma or
equivalent and must go through an apprenticeship that
lasts at least 3 years. During an apprenticeship, an electrician receives formal classroom training as well as onthe-job training from an experienced electrician to gain
the skills necessary to work independently. In addition,
most states and localities require an electrician to be
licensed, which usually involves passing an examination
that covers knowledge of building codes, the National
Electric Code, and electrical theory. Before electricians
are certified to install a particular type of charging station, they are required to go through specialized training
by the manufacturer.

Wages
BLS does not currently have wage data specific to the
electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for
selected infrastructure occupations for May 2010. The
wages shown are median annual wages for the United
States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.
Selected infrastructure occupations
Urban and regional planners

Median annual
wages, 20101
$63,040

Electrical power-line installers and

repairers

58,030

Electricians

48,250

Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

Automobile salesperson

that customers needs are met. Sales personnel assist

customers with the purchase of vehicles, and customer
service representatives assist owners after they purchase
a vehicle.

Job duties
Retail salespersons sell vehicles to potential customers.
In addition to sales, they conduct 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 desires. The salesperson also explains
the features of various models and the specifications,
options, and types of financing available. Salespeople
may work long hours and keep irregular schedules and
often earn at least part of their salary through commission.
Customer service representatives provide a valuable link between the customer and the companies that
produce the products or services that the customer uses.
They are responsible for responding to customer inquiries and resolving problems that customers experience.
They may do their work in call centers by telephone, or
they may interact face-to-face in a service center or office. Often, customer service representatives will act as a
liaison between customers and manufacturers or automotive service technicians. They help determine a customers needs and relay this information to technicians who
perform the work.

Credentials

Occupations in sales and support

Buying a vehicle is an expensive and complicated
process for many customers, and these transactions
require the work of sales and support staff to ensure

Sales representatives and customer service representatives do not require specialized education beyond a high
school diploma. Most of these workers are trained on
the job and will be given more responsibility and promotions as they gain experience. All of these occupa-

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 12

Green Jobs: Electric Vehicles

tions require individuals with good communication and

problem-solving skills. Employers seek out people who
are friendly and possess a professional manner.

Wages
BLS does not currently have wage data specific to the
electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for
selected sales and support occupations in the automobile
dealers industry group for May 2010. The wages shown
are median annual wages for the United States as a
whole; wages vary by employer and location.
Selected sales and support
occupations in the automobile
dealers industry group
Retail salespersons2
Customer service representatives

Median annual
wages, 20101
$36,470
31,400

Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
2
Wage data also include commissions.

Conclusion
Electric vehicles are an important component of the
growing green economy because they can reduce pollutants and dependence on fossil fuels. Jobs in the electric
vehicles industry show great potential for new employment opportunities, and employment is expected to grow
in all of the major sectors of the industry. In addition,
jobs will be created as the electric infrastructure is
expanded to support these vehicles. These new jobs will
cover a wide variety of occupations.
The growth of the electric vehicles industry is evident by the increasing number of electric vehicles purchased over the past decade, as well as new models being introduced by several manufacturers this year in the
United States. As more electric vehicles are purchased,
employment opportunities in the industry are expected to
continue to grow.

Notes
1

Electric vehicles are a subset of alternative fuel vehicles. Other

alternative fuel vehiclesnot covered in this reportinclude vehicles
that run on natural gas, propane, or biofuels, such as biodiesel and
ethanol.
2

One Million Electric Vehicles by 2015, February 2011 Status

Report, p.9, (U.S. Department of Energy, 2011), http://www1.eere.
energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/pdfs/1_million_electric_vehicles_rpt.
pdf.
3

For more information on the BLS green jobs plans and initiatives,
please see www.bls.gov/green.
4
Electric Vehicles in the United States (Center for Entrepreneurship
and Technology, University of California, Berkeley, 2009), p.
21, http://cet.berkeley.edu/dl/CET_Technical%20Brief_
EconomicModel2030_f.pdf.
5
Megan M. Barker, Manufacturing Employment Hard Hit during
the 2007-09 Recession, Monthly Labor Review (U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics, April 2011), pp. 2833, http://www.bls.gov/opub/

mlr/2011/04/art5full.pdf.
6

Vehicle Technologies Program; Graduate Automotive Technology

Education (GATE), (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2010), http://www1.eere.energy.
gov/vehiclesandfuels/deployment/education/fcvt_gate.html.
7

Service Hybrid Electric VehiclesSafely!, Alternative Fuel Technology (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, 2005)
http://www.cdxetextbook.com/asearticles/servicehybelecvehicle.
html.
8

For more information see the National Alternative Fuels Training

Consortium at http://www.naftc.wvu.edu.
9

Electric Vehicles in the United States (Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, University of California, Berkeley, 2009),
p. 21, http://cet.berkeley.edu/dl/CET_Technical%20Brief_
EconomicModel2030_f.pdf.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 13