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MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

BECOME AN

Auto Body Technician

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
"It’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about restoring dreams."
— Unknown
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Program Start:

Coming Soon

Program Duration:

TBA

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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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Top Companies

5-Month Job Postings

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