What the automotive job market looks like in Leeds
Intro
Leeds continues to be a strong location for automotive jobs in the UK. With a wide mix of main dealers, independent garages, and commercial workshops, demand for skilled professionals across the motor trade remains steady.
The city’s continued growth, good transport links, and competitive cost of living compared to the South make it an attractive area for both candidates and employers.
Current demand in Leeds
Across Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area, we’re seeing consistent demand for experienced Vehicle Technicians, Service Advisors, and Workshop Controllers. Many businesses are looking to build stable, long-term teams rather than rely on short-term fixes.
Technicians with diagnostics experience, EV training, or main dealer backgrounds are particularly in demand, with competition for skilled candidates remaining high.
Average salaries and earnings
Salaries in the Leeds area have continued to rise due to the ongoing skills shortage.
As a general guide:
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Vehicle Technicians can expect competitive basic salaries, often supported by bonus or overtime structures
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Service Advisors with experience are seeing strong packages, particularly within main dealer environments
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Diagnostic and senior technicians are often able to secure higher salaries due to demand
This makes Leeds a popular location for candidates looking to progress while maintaining a good work-life balance.
Living in and around Leeds
Leeds offers good value for money compared to many major UK cities. House prices remain more affordable than in London and the South East, while offering access to a range of suburbs and commuter towns.
Areas such as Morley, Pudsey, Wakefield, and Garforth are popular with automotive professionals, offering reasonable commuting times and a variety of housing options.
Transport and commuting
Leeds benefits from strong transport links, including:
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Direct rail connections across West Yorkshire and the wider North
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Easy access to the M1, M62, and A1(M)
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A large commuter catchment covering Bradford, Wakefield, and surrounding areas
These links help employers attract candidates from a wider area and make commuting more manageable.
What this means for candidates
For candidates, the Leeds job market offers choice and opportunity. Skilled professionals often have multiple options, allowing them to consider factors such as location, working hours, and career development.
If you’re considering a move within the Leeds area, you can view our latest permanent automotive jobs here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/jobs
What this means for employers
For employers, competition for skilled candidates means being clear and realistic with salary expectations and moving quickly through the hiring process.
Employers can also view live candidate profiles to see who is currently available here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/candidate-profile-search
For a confidential discussion about hiring in the Leeds area, you can contact us directly here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us
Final thoughts
The automotive job market in Leeds remains competitive, supported by strong demand, rising salaries, and good transport links. For both candidates and employers, understanding the local market plays a key role in long-term success.
At C&B Recruitment, we specialise in permanent motor trade jobs and automotive jobs, supporting employers and candidates through specialist motor trade recruitment and automotive recruitment across the UK.
