General Motors employs over 100,000 people across North America in manufacturing, engineering, sales, and support roles

General Motors operates assembly plants, engineering centers, and administrative offices in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company hires for factory floor positions, skilled trades, engineering roles, and corporate jobs. Where you live and what skills you have determine which positions are actually open to you — GM does not hire equally across all locations.

The main hiring channels are the GM careers website, staffing agencies that work with GM plants, and direct recruitment at job fairs. Some positions require union membership through the United Auto Workers (UAW); others do not. Pay, benefits, and advancement paths differ significantly between plant work and office roles.

Key Takeaways

  • General Motors posts open positions on its careers website organized by location and job category, and you search by the plant or office where you want to work.
  • Factory positions typically require passing a drug test, background check, and physical ability assessment before hire.
  • UAW-represented roles at assembly plants come with union wages and benefits; non-union positions at some facilities and all corporate roles do not.
  • Staffing agencies and temporary-to-hire contracts are common entry points to permanent GM positions, especially at plants.
  • Engineering and technical roles usually require a degree or relevant work history; manufacturing roles often do not.

Where General Motors Operates and What That Means for Job Openings

GM runs assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and other states, plus manufacturing facilities in Canada and Mexico. Each plant hires for different roles depending on what vehicles it builds and current production demand. A plant making electric vehicles may hire more electrical technicians; one focused on trucks may need more welders and hydraulics specialists.

The company also operates engineering centers in Michigan, New York, and California; customer service centers in multiple states; and corporate offices in Detroit. Job openings vary by season and by vehicle demand. When a new model launches or production ramps up, hiring accelerates. When demand drops, hiring freezes or positions are cut.

You can see which plants and offices are actively hiring by visiting the GM careers website and filtering by location. The site shows open positions, required qualifications, and process instructions for each role. Some positions close quickly once filled; others remain open for months.

Manufacturing and Plant Floor Positions

Assembly plant jobs include production associates (who operate machinery or perform assembly tasks), material handlers, quality inspectors, and maintenance technicians. Production associate roles are entry-level and typically require a high school diploma or GED. You do not need prior manufacturing experience, though some plants prefer candidates who have worked in similar environments.

Skilled trades positions — welders, electricians, hydraulics technicians, and tool and die makers — usually require a trade certification, apprenticeship completion, or several years of documented experience. These roles pay more than production associate positions and often have shorter wait times to permanent status.

Most plant positions go through a hiring process that includes an process, a phone or in-person interview, a drug screening, a background check, and a physical ability test. The physical test measures your ability to lift, carry, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive motions. If you have a medical condition that affects these abilities, you can request accommodations during the assessment.

Union Membership and Wage Differences

Production and maintenance roles at most GM assembly plants are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW). Union membership is a condition of employment for these positions — you pay union dues (typically 1.5 to 2 percent of gross wages) and gain access to union-negotiated wages, health insurance, and pension benefits.

UAW wages at GM plants start at a lower rate for the first two years (often around $17 to $19 per hour, though this varies by contract and year), then step up to the full rate (often $30 to $35 per hour or higher depending on the role and plant). Health insurance is provided by the union plan, and you become may be able to access for a defined-benefit pension after meeting service requirements.

Non-union positions at some facilities and all corporate roles do not require union membership. These positions typically offer competitive wages and benefits packages, but the structure differs from union contracts. Corporate roles often include 401(k) matching, stock purchase plans, and health insurance with employee cost-sharing.

Engineering, Technical, and Corporate Roles

GM hires engineers in mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing disciplines. Most engineering positions require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Some roles accept candidates with a high school diploma plus five or more years of relevant technical experience, though this is less common.

Technical roles include software developers, data analysts, IT specialists, and product designers. These positions may require a degree or a portfolio of work demonstrating your skills. Some candidates enter these roles through bootcamp training or self-taught experience if they can show completed projects.

Corporate positions span human resources, finance, supply chain, marketing, and sales. These roles typically require a bachelor's degree and relevant work history. Entry-level corporate positions sometimes accept recent graduates; mid-level and senior roles expect three to ten years of experience in the field.

How to Find and explore for General Motors Jobs

The primary source is the GM careers website (careers.gm.com). You create an account, search by job category and location, and submit your resume and process directly. The site shows the job description, required qualifications, salary range (when posted), and process important date.

Staffing agencies also place workers at GM plants. Agencies like Kelly Services, Apex Group, and others maintain relationships with specific plants and post temporary and temp-to-hire positions. These roles often lead to permanent positions if you perform well and a permanent opening becomes available.

Job fairs held at or near GM facilities are another entry point. The company and local workforce development agencies periodically host hiring events where you can meet recruiters, learn about open positions, and sometimes interview on the spot. Check the GM careers website or your local workforce development office for upcoming events.

What Happens After You explore

For plant positions, the timeline typically runs four to eight weeks from process to start date. You will hear back within one to two weeks if you pass the initial screening. If selected, you move to a phone or in-person interview, then the drug test, background check, and physical assessment. Once you pass all checks, you receive an offer and a start date.

For corporate and engineering roles, the process is often longer — six to twelve weeks — and may include multiple interviews, skills assessments, and reference checks. You may speak with a recruiter, then a hiring manager, then a panel of team members.

If you are not selected, you can reapply to the same position after a waiting period (usually 30 to 90 days) or explore to different positions. The GM system tracks your applications, so explore to multiple roles increases your chances of moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live near a GM plant to work there?

No, but most people who work at plants live within commuting distance. Some plants are in rural areas with limited housing, so GM occasionally offers relocation information for hard-to-fill positions. Check the job posting to see if relocation support is mentioned.

What disqualifies you from a GM job?

A felony conviction, a failed drug test, or falsifying your process can disqualify you. Background checks vary by role; some positions require a clean driving record or no recent criminal history. The company evaluates each case individually, so a past conviction does not automatically bar you.

Can you work at GM without a high school diploma?

Most production associate positions require a high school diploma or GED. Some plants may accept candidates without a diploma if they have relevant work history, but this is uncommon. Skilled trades and corporate roles typically have stricter education requirements.

How long does it take to become permanent after starting as a temp?

Temp-to-hire contracts usually last 90 days to six months. If you perform well and a permanent position opens, you may be offered permanent status. Some plants convert temps to permanent quickly; others have longer waiting periods depending on production needs and union seniority rules.

Does GM offer tuition information or training programs?

Yes. GM offers tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing degrees or certifications related to their role. The amount and may be able to access vary by position and location. Ask your recruiter or HR representative about education benefits once you are hired.