Salaries in the automotive industry have risen by 7.5% in the last year, according to CV Library.

Its findings found that average salaries for new roles in the industry rose from £32,081 in April 2018 to £34,490 a year later. Meaning job hunters in the automotive industry could pocket a potential extra £2,409 if they find a new job.

Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV Library, said: “With employers offering higher salaries for new roles across the industry, there is no better time than the present to start applying for jobs, even if competition is high.

“Rather than trying for a pay rise with your existing employer, sometimes it’s easier to just find more money elsewhere. Discussing pay with your manager can be daunting and there’s always a chance they’ll say no. However, with salaries rising for new roles, you stand a far better chance getting more money through applying for a new job.”

Alongside this, the data also reveals that applications for jobs in the sector have jumped up by 7.1% year-on-year, meaning there will be more competition for these jobs. At the same time, the amount of jobs on offer in the industry fell by 3.6% year-on-year.

Biggins added: “It seems that employers are prioritising the ‘quality over quantity’ approach in their recruiting efforts. With vacancies falling, candidates face a lot more competition as more people apply for less jobs. This means it’s imperative to stand out from the crowd.

“So, consider what you can do to set yourself apart. Learn new skills, gain impressive qualifications and certificates and complete more courses. With skills shortages still rife, qualified candidates are set to be rewarded handsomely, so if you’re qualified enough, now could be a great time to get a pay rise!”