About the Survey
Autos Drive America commissioned a first-of-its-kind survey of international automakers’ workplace operations in the United States. Produced by Ernst & Young LLC, the study surveyed 20 production facilities in nine1 states to gather data on employee wages and compensation, benefits, working conditions, and diversity. The results were both illuminating—and inspiring.
The Production Line Worker Compensation Survey2 confirms what Autos Drive America has always known – international automakers offer rewarding careers to their 90,0003 U.S. manufacturing workers. They provide a direct path to the middle class for Americans early in their careers. Moreover, the compensation provided by international automakers is in-line-with or leading overall industry wages, benefits, and safety standards. The bottom line is that international automakers are making more than just cars in the U.S. – they have been driving career opportunities, investing in American workers, and strengthening communities across the country for 60 years.
The survey found that throughout the United States, international automakers:
- Pay competitive wages that are comparable to, and even exceed, industry counterparts, including Detroit-based automakers and other American electric vehicle manufacturers.
- Provide career opportunities, comprehensive benefits, job stability, and tenure that are critical to building the middle class in their communities.
- Hire workforces that are more racially diverse than the states where facilities are located, particularly in African American and multiracial demographics.
- Maintain consistently good working conditions and cover nearly 90% of the cost of a full suite of benefits, such as health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- Offer onsite benefits and amenities like medical care, gyms, worker education, and training facilities.
