MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
BECOME AN
Auto Body Technician
"It’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about restoring dreams."
— Unknown

Program Start:
Coming Soon
Program Duration:
TBA

PAY SNAPSHOT
2023 Median National Annual Pay
$48,450
2023 Top Decile National Annual Pay
$80,380
6 Month Advertised Salary Growth
8%
12 Month Advertised Salary Growth
11%
What Is An Auto Body Technician?
An Auto Body Technician fixes dents, scrapes, and other exterior damage on cars, restoring their appearance and improving aesthetics. They use specialized tools, welding techniques, and painting methods to repair and refinish vehicles, ensuring high-quality restoration that meets safety and performance standards. Technicians assess structural damage, align frames, and replace damaged panels with precision. They may also remove rust, apply protective coatings, and ensure proper color matching. Additionally, they provide cost estimates, work with insurance companies, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.


What Could I Earn?
National median annual pay (2023) for auto body technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows
How Do I Become An Auto Body Technician?
Becoming a Auto Body Technician requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and technical skill. These can typically be acquired through a trade school or vocational program, community college, or 4-year university, depending on the breadth of knowledge and experience required. A short curriculum may read as follows:
Collision Repair & Damage Assessment
Technicians learn to assess vehicle damage, determine necessary repairs, and estimate costs. Training includes frame straightening, dent removal, and panel replacement to restore structural integrity and appearance.
Plastic & Composite Repair
Training focuses on repairing and refinishing plastic bumpers, fiberglass panels, and composite materials. Students learn plastic welding, adhesives, and refinishing techniques for seamless repairs.
Refinishing & Paint Techniques
Students master surface preparation, color matching, and spray gun techniques for automotive painting. Training includes applying primers, base coats, and clear coats while ensuring a smooth, durable finish.
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Technicians develop skills in MIG welding, plasma cutting, and metal shaping for auto body repair. Training covers structural reinforcements, rust repair, and replacing damaged vehicle panels.
Automotive Electrical & Mechanical Systems
Technicians gain knowledge in electrical diagnostics, lighting systems, airbag systems, and minor mechanical repairs. Training includes working with sensors, wiring harnesses, and troubleshooting vehicle electronics.
Safety, Certifications & Career Advancement
Students learn OSHA safety regulations, hazardous material handling, and workplace best practices. Certifications like I-CAR and ASE enhance career opportunities, with pathways to specialization or shop management.
Technicians learn to assess vehicle damage, determine necessary repairs, and estimate costs. Training includes frame straightening, dent removal, and panel replacement to restore structural integrity and appearance.
Students master surface preparation, color matching, and spray gun techniques for automotive painting. Training includes applying primers, base coats, and clear coats while ensuring a smooth, durable finish.
Technicians develop skills in MIG welding, plasma cutting, and metal shaping for auto body repair. Training covers structural reinforcements, rust repair, and replacing damaged vehicle panels.
Training focuses on repairing and refinishing plastic bumpers, fiberglass panels, and composite materials. Students learn plastic welding, adhesives, and refinishing techniques for seamless repairs.
Technicians gain knowledge in electrical diagnostics, lighting systems, airbag systems, and minor mechanical repairs. Training includes working with sensors, wiring harnesses, and troubleshooting vehicle electronics.
Students learn OSHA safety regulations, hazardous material handling, and workplace best practices. Certifications like I-CAR and ASE enhance career opportunities, with pathways to specialization or shop management.
What Could I Earn?
National median annual pay (2023) for auto body technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows
$49,060
Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair
$48,840
Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance
$47,540
Automobile dealers
$48,840
Construction
What Skills Are Important?
Auto Body Technician
Valid Driver's License
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
6,092
A valid driver's license is an official documentation that certifies an individual's ability to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. It is issued by a government agency after an individual passes a driving test and meets certain requirements such as age, vision, and knowledge of traffic laws.
Customer Service
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
5,257
Customer service is essential across industries, involving clear communication to address customer needs, resolve issues, and provide prompt, professional support. Key traits include patience, empathy, and product knowledge, fostering satisfaction, loyalty, and lasting relationships.
Painting
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
4,568
Painting is a highly specialized skill that combines creativity, technique, and color theory to create art, from realistic to abstract. Using mediums like oil, acrylic, or watercolor, skilled painters master techniques to produce unique and impactful works.
Power Tool Operation
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
3,901
Power tool operation involves using tools like saws, drills, and grinders safely and effectively. Proper training ensures accuracy and efficiency while following safety guidelines to prevent accidents and handle potential hazards.
Detail Oriented
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
3,089
Detail-oriented skills focus on precision and thoroughness to spot errors, ensure accuracy, and maintain quality. These skills are vital for tasks like proofreading, research, quality control, and data review to prevent mistakes and deliver results.
How Are Job Postings Trending?
Auto Body Technician
What Industries Are Experiencing Growth?
Auto Body Technician
Repair and Maintenance
4,147
Postings
3%
Change from last year
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
1,079
Postings
0.70%
Change from last year
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
341
Postings
-8%
Change from last year
Truck Transportation
339
Postings
12%
Change from last year
Administrative and Support Services
154
Postings
-75%
Change from last year
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
143
Postings
-46%
Change from last year
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
65
Postings
-89%
Change from last year
Rental and Leasing Services
60
Postings
-41%
Change from last year
Support Activities for Transportation
30
Postings
11%
Change from last year
Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
27
Postings
-10%
Change from last year
What Industries Are Experiencing Growth?
Auto Body Technician
Top Companies
Where Are The Top Companies Hiring?
Auto Body Technician
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