Hot Hattiesburg Automotive Gigs Await You
Hattiesburg Car Industry Hiring Frenzy
Hattiesburg's automotive industry currently offers over 120 active job openings as of May 2026, spanning roles from mechanics and technicians to detailers and sales positions, with major employers like the City of Hattiesburg Public Works and local dealerships such as Hattiesburg Cars actively hiring at competitive rates starting at $20.67 per hour. Job boards like Indeed list 63 automotive technician positions alone, while SimplyHired reports 120 total automotive jobs and ZipRecruiter tracks 339 opportunities paying $20 to $62 hourly. This surge reflects a national trend where U.S. automotive employment hit 2.075 million in May 2024, with motor vehicle manufacturing adding 30,400 jobs year-over-year.
Current Job Landscape
The job market in Hattiesburg's automotive sector has expanded rapidly since early 2025, driven by local fleet maintenance demands and regional dealership growth. Listings emphasize skilled trades amid a persistent national shortage of technicians, with EV-related roles emerging as high-demand niches. Local postings on Indeed and SimplyHired confirm immediate openings for diesel mechanics, automotive detailers, and shop mechanics, many offering on-the-job training.
- 63 Automotive Technician jobs via Indeed, including diesel and general mechanics.
- 120 total automotive roles on SimplyHired, covering sales, service, and parts.
- 339 listings on ZipRecruiter, with hourly wages from $20 to $62.
- City of Hattiesburg Mechanic positions at $20.67/hr ($43,000 annually), posted March 2025 and updated March 2026.
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car hiring Automotive Detailers in Hattiesburg and West Hattiesburg as of May 2026.
These figures underscore Hattiesburg's position as a hiring hotspot in Mississippi's Pine Belt region, where proximity to I-59 facilitates logistics and service jobs. Employers prioritize candidates with ASE certifications, though entry-level roles provide training for high school graduates with valid driver's licenses.
Key Job Roles and Requirements
Mechanic positions dominate listings, requiring skills in engine overhaul, brake repairs, and electrical diagnostics on vehicles from cars to heavy-duty trucks. The City of Hattiesburg's Public Works Shop seeks detail-oriented workers for oil changes, transmission work, and road testing, offering $43,000 yearly with preferences for CDL Class B and two years' experience. National trends show mechanics earning over $60,000 annually amid labor shortages.
- Review job boards daily: Check Indeed, SimplyHired, ZipRecruiter for Hattiesburg-specific filters.
- Prepare resume: Highlight ASE certifications, mechanic experience, or CDL; include high school diploma/GED.
- Apply directly: Use city site (hattiesburgms.com) for public roles; tailor cover letters to EV tech or diesel skills.
- Interview prep: Demonstrate knowledge of diagnostic tools, safety protocols, and industry updates like EV batteries.
- Follow up: Contact employers within 48 hours; leverage local networks like Hattiesburg Cars on LinkedIn.
| Role | Employer | Pay | Requirements | Apply Link Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | Various (Indeed) | $20-$62/hr | ASE preferred, 2+ years exp. | [Indeed](https://www.indeed.com) |
| Mechanic - Public Works | City of Hattiesburg | $20.67/hr | HS diploma, driver's license; CDL preferred | [City Site](https://www.hattiesburgms.com) |
| Automotive Detailer | Enterprise | Competitive | Entry-level, car wash experience | [Enterprise Jobs](https://jobs.enterprise.com) |
| General Automotive | SimplyHired Listings | Varies | Mechanic skills, training provided | [SimplyHired](https://www.simplyhired.com) |
Salary and Growth Trends
Hattiesburg automotive wages align with national upticks, where mechanical engineers average $95,300 yearly and skilled trades exceed $60,000, fueled by EV and automation demands. Local mechanics start at $43,000, with premiums for EV or diesel expertise. From May 2024 to 2026, U.S. motor vehicle parts manufacturing wages rose 0.6% to $4.8 billion sector-wide, signaling sustained growth.
"The automotive industry faces a skilled labor shortage, driving wages higher-especially for EV tech and diagnostics in regions like Mississippi's Pine Belt," noted a 2024 industry report.
This wage growth positions Hattiesburg competitively against Detroit hubs, with remote options emerging post-COVID for non-shop roles. Projections for 2026 forecast 2-4% employment gains locally, tied to infrastructure investments.
Historical Context
Hattiesburg's automotive roots trace to the Pierce family's 40-year legacy, evolving from Toyota of Hattiesburg to Hattiesburg Cars in 2014, now a motor vehicle manufacturing pillar serving the Pine Belt. The 2020s EV boom amplified demand, mirroring national shifts where employment grew 30,400 in manufacturing by May 2024 despite automation. Local public works expanded fleets post-2022 infrastructure bills, creating steady mechanic needs.
Skills in Demand
Employers prioritize diagnostic expertise for electrical systems, brakes, and engines, plus emerging EV battery and software skills. Public Works lists oil/lube, overhauls, and road tests as core functions, with diagnostic tools mandatory. Upskilling in AI and robotics aligns with 2026 trends.
- Engine and transmission repairs on gasoline/diesel.
- Electrical work: batteries, lighting, starters.
- EV tech: battery systems, charging infrastructure.
- Safety and organization: clean shops, manual interpretation.
- Physical tasks: heavy lifting, road testing.
Application Strategies
To land roles, target local networks like LinkedIn's Hattiesburg Cars page and city portals, customizing applications with keywords like "ASE" and "CDL." Post-March 2026 updates show quick hires for trained applicants. Track national trends via BLS for leverage in negotiations.
| Skill | Job Types | Salary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| ASE Certification | Technician, Mechanic | +15-20% |
| CDL Class B | Public Works, Heavy Duty | +10% |
| EV Diagnostics | Modern Service | +25% |
| Diesel Repair | Fleet Maintenance | +18% |
Future Outlook
Hattiesburg's frenzy will intensify with 2027 EV infrastructure grants, projecting 15% local job growth. Sustainability pushes demand for eco-repairs, while automation fills gaps without displacing trades. "Invest in upskilling-EV and data skills command premiums," advises a LinkedIn trends report.
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Everything you need to know about Hot Hattiesburg Automotive Gigs Await You
What Qualifications Do Employers Seek?
Most roles require a high school diploma or GED, valid driver's license, and physical ability to lift heavy parts; ASE certification or two years' experience boosts chances, with CDL Class B preferred for city jobs.
How Many Jobs Are Available Right Now?
As of May 14, 2026, platforms report 63 technician jobs on Indeed, 120 on SimplyHired, and 339 on ZipRecruiter, with new postings daily from dealerships and service centers.
What Is the Typical Pay Range?
Entry-level detailers and trainees start at $20/hour, mechanics at $20.67 ($43,000/year), scaling to $62/hour for specialized techs amid national shortages.
Are Entry-Level Positions Open?
Yes, City of Hattiesburg offers on-the-job training for shop mechanics with no prior experience, provided candidates show willingness to learn auto repair crafts.
Which Companies Are Hiring Most?
Top hirers include City Public Works, Enterprise, Hattiesburg Cars, and aggregated boards like Indeed; Pierce Automotive's network drives dealership sales/service roles.
Is Training Available for Beginners?
Absolutely; City roles provide on-the-job mechanic training, focusing on engines, brakes, and diagnostics for those with basic licenses and aptitude.
What About Sales or Non-Technical Jobs?
Dealerships like Hattiesburg Cars hire sales reps and parts specialists; Enterprise adds detailers-over 50% of 120 SimplyHired listings are non-mechanic.