THE AUTOPEOPLE REPORT | May 2026
THE AUTOPEOPLE REPORT
May 2026
Why Great Dealership Managers Are So Hard to Find
The automotive industry has never had a shortage of ambitious people. What it has struggled with for decades is developing strong leaders.
Ask any dealership owner or operator about one of their biggest ongoing challenges, and eventually the conversation lands in the same place: finding and keeping great managers.
The reality is, quality dealership managers have always been difficult to find.
The automotive industry has never had a shortage of ambitious people. What it has struggled with for decades is developing strong leaders.
Ask any dealership owner or operator about one of their biggest ongoing challenges, and eventually the conversation lands in the same place: finding and keeping great managers.
The reality is, quality dealership managers have always been difficult to find.
How to Get Recognized and Promoted in a Dealership
Career growth isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s earned by those who consistently create value. Recognition follows a clear pattern: measurable impact, proactive behavior, and visibility within the organization. At Autopeople, we work closely with top-performing candidates across the country, and the difference between those who advance and those who plateau is rarely luck. Read More
How to Get Recognized and Promoted in a Dealership
Career growth isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s earned by those who consistently create value. Recognition follows a clear pattern: measurable impact, proactive behavior, and visibility within the organization. At Autopeople, we work closely with top-performing candidates across the country, and the difference between those who advance and those who plateau is rarely luck. Read More
Dealership Hiring Challenges & Pay Trends in 2026
Sustainable growth rarely comes from a single superstar salesperson or a hot quarter. It comes from strong department leaders who build structure, develop people, and create repeatable results. Dealerships that consistently outperform their markets share a common trait: they invest in high-caliber managers and give them the authority to lead. Those that struggle often cycle through talent, relying on individual contributors rather than building leadership depth. Read More
Dealership Hiring Challenges & Pay Trends in 2026
Sustainable growth rarely comes from a single superstar salesperson or a hot quarter. It comes from strong department leaders who build structure, develop people, and create repeatable results. Dealerships that consistently outperform their markets share a common trait: they invest in high-caliber managers and give them the authority to lead. Those that struggle often cycle through talent, relying on individual contributors rather than building leadership depth. Read More
Curious how your compensation packages compare within the Automotive industry?
Autopeople is a nationally recognized automotive recruiting firm dedicated to connecting organizations across the country with top-tier automotive talent. Through our work with employers and professionals throughout the industry, we’ve gathered valuable compensation and hiring data to help companies stay informed in an increasingly competitive market.
This report was developed to give employers a clearer understanding of current salary expectations, compensation trends, and market benchmarks across the automotive space. Whether your focus is attracting stronger talent, improving retention, or staying competitive within your market, these insights are designed to support smarter hiring and compensation decisions.
Complete the form and download now.
Curious how your compensation packages compare within the Automotive industry?
Autopeople is a nationally recognized automotive recruiting firm dedicated to connecting organizations across the country with top-tier automotive talent. Through our work with employers and professionals throughout the industry, we’ve gathered valuable compensation and hiring data to help companies stay informed in an increasingly competitive market.
This report was developed to give employers a clearer understanding of current salary expectations, compensation trends, and market benchmarks across the automotive space. Whether your focus is attracting stronger talent, improving retention, or staying competitive within your market, these insights are designed to support smarter hiring and compensation decisions.
Complete the form and download now.
Please view our website at www.autopeople.com, call 1-800-659-9501 or email me, David Adragna, at [email protected] to discuss what Autopeople
can do for you.
