The electric vehicle, or EV industry in the US is experiencing rapid growth, bringing a wave of job opportunities across multiple sectors.

With government support, private investment, and increasing consumer demand, the EV market is transforming transportation and creating thousands of new jobs.

From manufacturing and engineering to software development and infrastructure expansion, the transition to electric mobility is fueling a significant shift in the American workforce.

The growing EV industry market

The EV industry market in the US has seen exponential growth in recent years.

In 2021, EVs made up 4.6% of new vehicle sales, a number that climbed to nearly 10% by the end of 2023.

Experts project that EVs could account for 40-50% of new car sales by 2030, with around 27 million EVs on US roads.

To support this demand, automakers are investing billions into EV production, leading to the creation of over 200,000 EV-related jobs in recent years.

Government incentives driving job growth in the EV industry

Federal and state policies play a critical role in accelerating EV adoption and job creation.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $7.5 billion to expand the national charging network, aiming for 500,000 public chargers by 2030 (Environmental Defense Fund).

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) further supports EV growth by providing up to $7,500 in tax credits for new EV purchases and offering substantial incentives for domestic battery and vehicle manufacturing.

Since the IRA’s passage, over $190 billion has been invested in new EV and battery factories, driving the rapid expansion of the industry (Alliance for Automotive Innovation).

State initiatives are also shaping the EV job market.

California and several other states have announced plans to phase out gasoline car sales by 2035, which will require a skilled workforce to meet production targets.

States like Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina have attracted major EV and battery plant investments, ensuring job growth extends beyond traditional automotive hubs.

High-demand jobs in the EV industry

As the EV industry expands, a variety of roles are emerging. Here are some of the most in-demand positions:

1. EV and battery manufacturing

EV assembly plants and battery gigafactories are creating tens of thousands of jobs for production workers, engineers, and technicians.

Assembly Workers: EV plants need skilled and entry-level workers to build vehicle components, earning $35,000–$40,000 per year.
Manufacturing Engineers: These professionals optimize production processes and develop innovative manufacturing techniques, earning around $100,000 annually.
Battery Technicians: As demand for EV batteries grows, battery production workers and quality control specialists are in high demand, particularly in states hosting new gigafactories.

2. Battery technology and engineering

The push for better EV batteries has spurred job growth in battery research and production.

Chemical Engineers: Develop and refine lithium-ion and next-generation battery technologies, earning $105,000 per year.
Materials Scientists: Work on developing more efficient, longer-lasting batteries, a critical role as the industry shifts toward solid-state battery innovation.
Battery Recycling Specialists: With the first generation of EV batteries nearing end-of-life, battery recycling plants are expanding, creating jobs in material recovery and processing.

3. Charging infrastructure and electrical trades

The US needs over 1 million public chargers by 2030, fueling demand for infrastructure-related jobs.

Electricians: Install and maintain EV charging stations, earning $60,000 annually, with increasing demand as states expand charging networks.
Power Line Installers: Upgrade electrical grids to support EV chargers, earning around $78,000 per year.
Construction Workers: Site preparation, conduit laying, and installation work for EV charging stations create jobs in the construction sector.

4. Software and high-tech roles

EVs rely on sophisticated software for battery management, driver assistance, and connectivity.

Software Engineers: Develop the code for EV operating systems, energy management, and self-driving capabilities, earning $120,000 per year.
Electrical Engineers: Design and test EV power systems and charging technology, with median salaries of $100,000+.
Cybersecurity Experts: Protect connected vehicles and charging networks from cyber threats, a growing need as EVs become more integrated with digital systems.

5. Automotive maintenance and service

While EVs require less maintenance than gasoline vehicles, specialized technicians are needed for high-voltage systems and battery diagnostics.

EV Technicians: Service and repair EVs, often earning $60,000–$70,000 per year, with demand growing as more electric vehicles hit the road.
Charging Station Technicians: Maintain and repair public charging infrastructure, ensuring reliability for EV drivers.

The future of EV industry jobs

Looking ahead, the US EV industry will continue evolving, creating entirely new career paths:

Battery Recycling Technicians: As EV batteries reach their end of life, demand for specialists in battery material recovery is increasing.
Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Experts: The integration of AI and self-driving technology into EVs is driving demand for AI specialists, software engineers, and automotive data analysts.
Commercial EV Fleet Support: Electric buses, delivery vans, and heavy-duty trucks require specialized technicians, engineers, and logistics experts to manage fleet operations.

The EV industry is booming

The EV industry represents one of the fastest-growing job markets in the US, with opportunities spanning manufacturing, engineering, infrastructure, and software development. With strong government backing and industry investment, EV-related employment is set to grow significantly in the coming decade.

Whether in a high-tech role developing next-generation batteries or a skilled trade supporting charging infrastructure, now is the time to explore careers in electric mobility.

If you’re looking for top talent in the EV sector or seeking your next opportunity in this rapidly growing industry, we can help.

Our team at Astute connects businesses with highly skilled professionals across engineering, manufacturing, tech, and infrastructure roles.

Get in touch today to discuss your hiring needs or explore career opportunities in the EV industry.