THE automotive industry has nurtured a number of generations and elevated the working class to more prosperous levels, however not everyone works in the industry because of a paycheque.

The secret to acquiring the most interesting and often highest paying brag-worthy jobs within the automotive industry lay in specialization. The more specialized your skillset, the more competition –and the biggest reward.

Even today, after the crushing slow-death of Motor City Detroit, there are still many quality automotive jobs to be had. Largely sought-after because of the job security and decent pay that automotive companies pay their skilled labour –a job in the auto industry is gem by any measure.

Here are our top picks for automotive industry-related dream jobs;

10. Automotive Illustrator

Not your typical automotive engineering design job, this one still remains somewhat artistic and there’s a lot of room for adding a personal touch. People who create the attractive artistic renderings of super cars are usually freelance contractors who may or may not partner with a marketing company on a job –living wherever they wish and working online, I’ve met my fair share of “digital nomad” auto illustrators while frequenting cafes from Thailand to New Zealand. Looks like a pretty sweet life.

9. Super Car Engine Builder

To manufacture an exotic car is to work in some of the most pristine conditions offered by the vast automotive industry. Conveyor belts run slower –or on request. Work areas are cleaners, organized, and slower-paced.

Quality is job one, not gruelling production quotas.