You’ve probably seen the logos on the side of IndyCars or heard the roar of an Acura ARX-06 at Daytona. That’s the work of the team at Santa Clarita. But let's be real—passion for racing doesn't pay the rent in Southern California. If you are looking into a career at the place formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD)—which, as of 2024, has been officially folded into the global Honda Racing Corporation (HRC US)—you need to know if the paycheck matches the prestige.
Working in motorsports is famously a "lifestyle" choice. It often means long hours, high pressure, and a lot of travel. But because this is Honda, there’s a corporate structure behind the grease and carbon fiber. This isn't a garage operation; it's a massive engineering firm with a benefits package that reflects that.
The Reality of a Honda Performance Development Salary in 2026
If you’re looking for a ballpark number, the average honda performance development salary across the board currently sits right around $107,431 per year. Of course, "average" is a tricky word. It includes everyone from the person coordinating the parts warehouse to the senior aerodynamicist.
🔗 Read more: Hardee's and Carl's Jr Explained (Simply)
Usually, the floor for professional roles starts around $94,000, while the top-tier senior roles can push well past $121,000 in base pay alone.
One thing you’ve got to keep in mind is the location. Santa Clarita isn't as expensive as Santa Monica, but it’s still California. A hundred grand sounds like a fortune in the Midwest, but here, after the state takes its cut and you pay for a decent place to live, it’s a comfortable middle-class existence, not a "buy a private jet" lifestyle.
Breaking Down the Engineering Ranks
Engineering is the heart of what they do. Whether you're designing a new turbocharger or simulating airflow, the pay scales are pretty rigid.
- Design Engineers: These folks are the architects of the engine. On average, a Design Engineer here is pulling in about $131,222. The range typically stays tight between $123k and $137k.
- Automotive Engineers: Expect something in the neighborhood of $129,642.
- Test Engineers: You're looking at a slightly lower entry point, often averaging $104,909.
- Aerodynamics Engineers: This is specialized work. The average is roughly $117,276, but if you've got several years of specific wind tunnel experience, you can negotiate higher.
Honestly, the "Senior" tag is where the jump happens. A Senior Software Engineer, for instance, is making about $121,540. If you're coming in as a fresh grad, don't expect those numbers. New grad mechanical engineers at Honda typically start closer to $64,000 to $77,000, depending on their internships and technical skills.
The Rebrand: From HPD to HRC US
It’s worth noting that the name change to Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) wasn't just a marketing gimmick. It was a move to unify Honda’s racing efforts globally, particularly to bridge the gap between their US-based IndyCar/IMSA programs and the Formula 1 projects in Japan.
📖 Related: Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss Explained: What Really Happened to the Detroit Giant
What does that mean for your wallet? Basically, it opens up more global mobility. The salary structures remain largely aligned with American Honda’s corporate grades, but the technical requirements are getting steeper as they eye more "global" projects.
Management and Leadership Roles
If you move out of the CAD files and into a corner office (or at least a cubicle with a better view), the numbers shift.
- Program Managers: These are the people keeping the racing seasons on track. They average $147,713.
- Purchasing Coordinators: Dealing with vendors for exotic materials pays surprisingly well, with an average of $125,252.
- General Managers: At this level, you’re looking at ranges from $97,936 to $122,552, though the high-end leadership roles with significant experience often exceed these reported averages through bonuses.
Beyond the Base: The "Total Rewards" Package
At HRC US, the base honda performance development salary is only about 70% of the story. Honda has one of the more robust "Total Rewards" programs in the automotive sector.
The Bonus Structure
Honda uses a regional bonus plan. It’s not just a flat "here is some money at Christmas" thing. It’s calculated based on your career level, your performance rating, and—interestingly—your attendance. If the company does well and you hit your individual goals, that bonus can be a significant chunk of change.
The "Comp Time" Perk
This is a big one for the racing world. Racing doesn't happen 9-to-5. If you’re a "non-exempt" associate (basically, hourly or certain salaried levels), you get overtime. For more senior roles, Honda offers Compensatory Time. You can earn up to 120 hours of comp time a year for working over your threshold. You can use it like extra vacation or, in some cases, get it paid out at the end of the year.
Retirement and Stocks
They don't just give you a 401(k); they automate it. You’re usually enrolled at a 6% pretax rate immediately. On top of that, Honda does a "Company Service Contribution."
- 0-4 years: 2%
- 5-9 years: 3%
- 20+ years: 8%
This is basically free money that scales the longer you stay. You're fully vested after five years.
Comparing HPD to the Rest of the Industry
Is the honda performance development salary competitive? Compared to the "Big Three" in Detroit, it's very close. Compared to a boutique racing team in North Carolina, it’s usually higher and more stable.
However, if you look at tech companies or aerospace firms in the same region—think SpaceX or Northrop Grumman—Honda’s base pay might look a little lean. A software engineer at a pure tech firm might pull $160k where HRC US pays $120k. You’re paying a "passion tax" to work on race cars.
What it Takes to Get the Top End of the Range
You won't get the 75th percentile salary just by showing up with a degree. The people making the most money at HRC US usually have a few things in common:
- Hybrid Skills: If you’re a mechanical engineer who can also code in Python or C++, you’re much more valuable.
- Specific Track Experience: If you’ve spent time on a pit box making live-fire decisions, that’s worth a premium.
- Advanced Degrees: Honda specifically mentions that education levels can trigger higher starting points within a salary grade.
Actionable Steps for Your Career Path
If you’re serious about landing a role here, don't just fire off a resume.
Audit your technical stack. For engineering roles, ensure you are proficient in the specific tools HRC uses, which often include high-end CFD software and MATLAB/Simulink.
Look at the "EX" Levels. When you see job postings, look for the grade (like EX1 or EX5). This tells you where you fall in the salary hierarchy before you even walk in the door.
Network at the track. Many HRC US employees are recruited because they were seen working for smaller teams in lower formulas.
Prepare for the "Lifestyle." Ask about the travel schedule during the interview. A $110k salary feels a lot smaller if you're on the road 20 weekends a year paying for two households or constantly eating out.
The rebranding to HRC US has made the environment more intense but also more stable. It’s a corporate giant with a racer’s soul, and the compensation reflects that middle ground. You get the security of a global manufacturer with the excitement of the winner's circle.