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What is Auto Body, Collision and Repair?

Auto Body, Collision and Repair is an area of study and field of employment that deals with the repair of damaged automobiles and the restoration of physical features to as close as possible to their factory condition.  Individuals in this field will repair frames, panels, windows, and any other parts affected through auto damage and collision to the exterior of an automobile. Auto body repair specialists utilize a variety of machines and tools in order to successfully complete a given job.  The best auto body schools can be found by searching our tools or by requesting information from the top ranked schools below.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$45,180

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

17.96%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

809,930

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2025 Best Auto Body Schools

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology is an educational institution dedicated to produce leaders for the progress of the society. The science and technology institute is located at 540 North Harrison Road Pleasant Gap, Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States. Also, it was established in 19969 as a public school district. Moreover, the institute has been offering various programs for technical courses for years. And, it includes the Auto Body course program within their Collision Repair Technology where, Auto Body course is designed to provide a training and teaching lesson how the students with an entry skills will acquire the workforce and skills they need to compete for admission post. Also, it is designed to train students to perform a variety of services in vehicle painting, collision repair, cleaning and detailing. Furthermore, the program in general will help to mold the student throughout its learning year. 

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Rolla Technical Institute Center offers a one of a kind program that offers a top ranked  auto body program for qualified students. The program Power Sport Technology operates a well-equipped shop in the state that students can learn from. And, the place they need to practice their technical skills is a must. Imagine the knowledge that the center can impart to the students. The advancement they possessed from machine, equipment, and faculty experts are all they can give to the students. There is no doubt that they ranked top on our list of best auto body college programs this year.  The students here can pursue a degree of General in Power Sport Technology, Agriculture & Turf Equipment Option. They also have a program where students can receive certificates; Powersports Technology - Basic, and Powersports Technology - Advanced. 

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Rosedale Technical College offers technical related programs for over 70 years. A technical college with a knowledgeable environment with an associate in specialized (AST) that can be earned in 16 months of studying. Another, the technical school offers a variety of programs in Automotive, Collision Repair Technology, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC technology, Welding technician, Industrial Technician, CDL training, and more additional courses. Where in their automotive training technology, the students related to the auto body, the students are more exposed in practical training. Another, the program’s instructors are ASE certified and will help the students to prepare and earn also their ASE certificates. 

Acceptance Rate

60.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Lex-Ray Technical Center has been through the years helping the students build their dreams by offering them a well-balanced program of classroom instruction and a hand-on training program. It was established in 1975 and caters up to 300 students each year. They offer a variety of programs and Automotive Technology serves the students the quality education and training they need. A 2 years program that gives an opportunity to the students to earn ASE Certification in brakes, engine repair, heating, and air conditioning. 

Acceptance Rate

56.25

Tuition

$13,782 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

About
Ohio Technical College, located in Cleveland, Ohio, was established in 1969 and was known as Ohio Diesel Mechanics School. The school occupied the second floor of a building in the warehouse district, but as popularity for the program grew, the school moved to a larger location and added diesel automotive programs to its curriculum. By 1984 the school had added a full automotive service program and experienced continued growth., resulting in one of the many name changes the school has experienced in its history. In 1994 the school began offering associate degrees, resulting in the current name of the school, and assisting students in pursuing managerial positions. Today the school is continuing its growth with the development of new programs and a partnership with BMW.

Academics
Ohio Technical College provides educational opportunities related to the automotive industry through a number of programs. These programs result in certificates or associate degrees and reflect the large number of specializations within the automotive repair industry. Additionally, the school offers programs in diesel generators and technology. Instructors are professionals from the automotive industry and work hard to ensure that students receive the best education and training possible to enter the workforce as professionals.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at Ohio Technical College must be over 18 years of age and have met the minimum basic curriculum requirements prior to admission. To begin the process for admission students must contact the school, at which point an advisor will consult with the student regarding program choice, career goals, and assist in starting the application process.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) and the OTC Financial Aid Application. The information provided in these documents will be used to determine need, program eligibility and monetary awards.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,880 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Pennco Tech - Bristol is a 2-year private career school, which provides training and education opportunities for its students. Over the past several years Pennco Tech - Bristol has granted degrees to over 810 students with a graduation rate of more than 83%. Pennco Tech campus in Bristol offers several programs to pick from. The more popular programs are shown below:

  • Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Electrician
  • Auto Mechanic
  • Medical Administration
To support students and graduates, Pennco Tech - Bristol may offer services like:
  • Counseling assistance
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Assisting students to find work
  • Child care
The last reported accreditation for Pennco Tech - Bristol was done by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can see classes offered, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$18,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

WyoTech, formerly known as Wyoming Technical Institute, is dedicated to high-quality, college-level, career-oriented education in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle, HVAC, watercraft, and collision/refinishing industries. Each WyoTech program is designed to provide our students with the skills they need to achieve their education goals. Most WyoTech diploma programs can be completed in less than a year and a half. There are currently six WyoTech campuses across the country. This website is dedicated to providing you detailed information about WyoTech classes and programs.

Through the use of industry-based advisory committees, employed graduate contacts, and faculty/industry interactions, WyoTech continually upgrades and modifies programs to enhance each graduate's employability. WyoTech's primary objectives are to impart specific knowledge and skills, to graduate each and every student who begins training, and to place them in their chosen fields. In order to achieve these objectives, the curriculum, the faculty and staff, and the facilities and learning environment become equally important.

WyoTech's curricula allow students to concentrate exclusively on learning technical skills in diploma programs or to expand their education with associate degree programs.

WyoTech prepares students for the post-graduation working world by teaching on a workday, not a school day schedule. Most students attend classes approximately eight hours a day, five days a week.

The faculty and staff respect the professional decision students have made to enter career training. We believe professionalism is as important an aspect of training as are technical and business skills. For that reason, WyoTech has established rules and regulations concerning attendance, behavior and academic performance in classrooms, labs and shops. These rules are enforced, both on campus and in housing at the Wyoming campus, and each student's grades are adjusted weekly to reflect "professionalism points." Professionalism develops a positive attitude, personal motivation, and career pride. These elements, combined with technical expertise, produce a WyoTech graduate– who may become a skilled professional technician.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$25,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Automotive Training Center operates as a two year career school dedicated to offering a sound education for students in Warminster and surrounding areas. Last year over 140 students were awarded degrees with around 68% of students who start the program complete it. Automotive Training Center offers several programs to choose from. The more popular enrolled programs are listed below:

  • Auto Mechanic
  • Auto Body
  • Marine Maintenance, Fitter and Ship Repair Technology
  • Diesel Mechanic
To help students and recent graduates, Automotive Training Center may provide student services like those listed below:
  • Counseling assistance
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Assisting students to find work
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the program courses of Automotive Training Center for over seven straight years. Please visit autotraining.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$40,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$37,050 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

37:1

Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career’s Licensed Practical Nurse Program offers a variety of programs in different areas of study. Including Auto mechanics that will take twelve months to complete the program. CV-Tec courses in this academic discipline will teach students through practical training in auto body collision repair that is required in automotive system repair. Moreover, the technical education school always provides an array of workforce and adult education to help the students.

Acceptance Rate

27.88

Tuition

$10,607 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

2:1

Pennco Tech was established in 1973 to provide individuals with career training required to succeed. Pennco Tech operates two schools, one in Blackwood, New Jersey and the other in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The school works with individuals to develop a plan for the future and provides the educations, training and skills required to realize those plans. The school will also assist in job placement post-graduation, ensuring that students can have a jump start on their careers.

Pennco Tech offers nine programs in high demand fields:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Individuals interested in attending Pencco Tech should complete the online information request form. Financial aid is available and students interested should consult with the financial aid office.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$18,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Kirksville Area Technical Center has been part of success in every student graduated in the technical center. The technical center is also offering high school courses and adult programs that help them to achieve their career goal in life. They demonstrate the job-specific competencies method so that students can learn from it. Another, they also expose the students to the technologies they needed to learn to successfully perform in their chosen field. In addition, KATC offers a variety of  Automotive courses which teaches the student to be more competitive in the industry. The automotive repair will take 1020 hours and it is available for adults for full-time, part-time or every three hours depending on your choice of study. 

Acceptance Rate

63.64

Tuition

$9,750 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

New York Automotive and Diesel Institute is a two-year career school, which provides training and education opportunities for its students located in and around Jamaica. Over a thousand students have completed their schooling in the last few years based on published information with more than 64% of students who start the program continuing on to complete it. New York Automotive and Diesel Institute offers several programs to choose from. The more popular enrolled programs are listed below:

  • Auto Mechanic
  • Auto Body
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Medium and Heavy Vehicle Truck Technology
To support students and graduates, New York Automotive and Diesel Institute may provide support services including:
  • Work study style employment
  • Assisting students to find work
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the education provided by New York Automotive and Diesel Institute for over fourteen straight years. In 2018, the New York Automotive and Diesel Institute was granted authority by the New York Board of Regents to confer degrees to qualified students.  Please visit nyadi.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$36,200 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Automotive Training Center operates as a two-year career school dedicated to offering a solid education for students located in and around Exton. Over 520 students have completed their training in the last few years based on published information with more than 70% of students who start the program complete it. Automotive Training Center offers several programs to choose from. Here are the more popular programs offered:

  • Auto Mechanic
  • Auto Body
  • Diesel Mechanic
To help students and alumni succeed, Automotive Training Center may offer some services to students like those listed below:
  • Academic counseling for students
  • Student employment
  • Employment search assistance
The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can learn about admissions information, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$40,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

SUNY College Technology at Alfred or Alfred State College located in Alfred, New York, United States is a public college that was established in 1908. The public school is under the SUNY System which was formerly a Technical College but now it has baccalaureate degrees in 29 areas of study, certificates, and 49 associate degrees. The public college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also a member of Rochester Area Colleges. Moreover, the technical college offers various programs for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate courses for different areas of study.  The auto body program is a superlative academic pathway setting students up for a career in the automotive industry upon completion of the trade courses.

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis is a public college that is governed by The Tennessee Board of Regents System. The technical college ensures competency-based training through traditional, superior, and distance learning instruction methods that will contribute opportunities to acquire marketable skills that students need.   Moreover, the public technical college offers a variety of programs including Automotive Technology accredited by NATEF or National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and for certification programs accredited by National Coalition of Certification Center (NC3). Further, the program is designed to provide hands-on training and classroom instruction that has myriad academic offerings that include courses in auto body and collision repair that will prepare students for entry level employment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,011 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$24,442 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

For those living in the Midwest and looking to start a new career, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center (CGCTC) is probably one of the places you want to start looking. Located in Cape, Girardeau, Missouri, a middle sized town of about 38,000 people, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center has garnered a reputation for producing high quality graduates who know how to go out into the workforce and get jobs. Cape Girardeau is a great place to do it too, since the region has seen growth in between censuses and technical trade employment has been increasing throughout the city. The city is the site of many historical landmarks, many that have to do with Native Americans and their relationship with early American settlers of the land.

In 2012, tuition at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center was $13,194, and enrollment was at 195 students. The center has a very solid retention rate of 77%, and with open admissions students can apply and get in as long as there are open spots available. There are plenty of very talented instructors at the center, and the school offers a wide variety of programs to choose from. Here are some of those programs:

  • Auto Tech
  • Computer Programming
  • Business
  • Radio/TV
  • Marketing
  • Nursing

With the growing city of Cape Girardeau as the backdrop and bigger metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Memphis only a short drive away, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is a great choice for those who are looking to build their skills for a career. Financial aid is available from grants, scholarships, and loans from the federal government.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States is a public technical college that was established in 1905. The technical institute offers various programs for Associate degrees, certificates program and short-term program. Moreover, under the Collision Repair program they are offering an auto body course where it is designed to provide students with the most current and complete information, skills and knowledge about what is required, complete and safety quality repairs for automotive. Furthermore, they also provide industry-recognized and comprehensive training for the student’s successful career in auto body and collision repair

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Lincoln Tech - Your future. Now! Lincoln Tech helps students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. Their in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today's tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology. Lincoln's Certificate, Diploma and Associate Degree programs are designed to accelerate your entry into the job market by offering a shorter length of training. Lincoln instructors possess a combination of seasoned teaching skills, subject matter expertise and real world experience. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify and Career Placement Assistance is available upon graduation. Let us forward your information to Lincoln Tech so they can contact you about their programs. Lincoln Tech campuses are accredited by either the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), depending on campus location. Programs vary by campus.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$32,373 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

29:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$37,974 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$32,243 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Grand River Technical School located in Chillicothe, Missouri a technical school that offers various programs for different areas of study. Also, the school offers vocational counselors and financial aid for qualified students. Moreover, the technical school offers a program related to the auto body, which is the Auto Service Technology where the program is designed to provide hands-on experience guided by ASE Certified Instructor under ASE Certified program. The program will take 1080 hours instruction and will give the students lots of great career opportunities. 

Acceptance Rate

74.65

Tuition

$6,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology located in Naples, Florida is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and Advanced Accreditation Commission. The technical college offers rigorous educational experience that prepares the students to become successful in their own field. Moreover, most of their programs are also accredited across a variety of trades including the robust automotive certificate programs. Approved by the Automotive Youth Education System, accredited by National Automotive Technician Education Foundation, Inc. and designated as ASE or Automotive Service Excellence Certified.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,242 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Tennessee Technology Center, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, began operation in 1964 through a bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly the previous year. The school operated under the supervision of the Tennessee department of education, though this changed in 1983 when control was given to the Tennessee Board of Regents System, becoming one the 46 schools that comprise the system. The school is a public two year institution dedicated to providing quality career training for residents in the region.

Academics

Students of Tennessee Technology Center will earn a diploma or certificate through one of the many career programs available at the school. These programs are for high demand fields, and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully work in a professional environment immediately after graduation. The school is dedicated to providing students with a quality education to assist in their development and allow for career growth.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to enroll at Tennessee Technical Center must complete and admissions application, be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent GED, show proof of vaccination, and take a basic skills assessment test. Financial aid is available in the form of grants. Eligibility and awards are determined through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which provides all the information necessary for the school to review.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,605 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Job Duties in Auto Repair

Auto body shop technicians perform a variety of business-critical tasks from restoring old vehicles to repairing vehicles that have been in an accident. In either case, you need to know the variations of job titles of an auto body professional before you start your schooling to get familiar with the verbiage and variations in the field.

Examples of job responsibilities of an auto technician can include: automotive paint, auto body tech, auto body repair technician, auto collision repair refinishing tech, collision repair and refinishing, bumper repair specialist, car dent repair, auto body specialist, auto mechanic, mobile auto body repair, car paint, automotive machinist, body technician, auto frame specialist, car scratch repair and refinishing, auto body finisher, a/c technician, oil bay tech, service tech, auto body parts specialist, and auto body repairman.

Auto Body Technician Jobs

The auto body and collision repair industry are partitioned into four different quadrants of specialties. Student success is typified when they become proficient at one or more disciplines within this trade industry. In either case, it is common to have substantial collaboration and communication between auto body disciplines to meet customer expectations and finish required jobs. The four primary areas of work within auto body include learning the following:

  1. Painting: The painting and finishing discipline within auto and collision repair can be the final step in the process or the only step depending on the job title and customer requirements. To effectively paint and finish a vehicle, specialist need to be proficient at mixing paint, masking, painting, matching paint colors, sanding, and priming.
  2. Structural: Advanced structural auto damage analysis requires trained professionals and equipment necessary to inspect, analyze, measure, modify, and repair frames and auto bodies. Specialists will frequently be trained to disassemble and repair auto frames through cutting, brazing, and welding technology that meet or exceed industry standards.
  3. Minor Repairs: This area of specialty involves most everything that is not structural in nature. Auto body and collision repair specialists can perform minor repairs such as removing dents, surface preparation, replacing plastics and composite parts, sheet metal repair processes, panel replacement, surface preparation masking, replacing glass, replacing or modifying outer body panels, and finish work.
  4. Electrical & Mechanical: The electrical or mechanical function is a discipline that focuses on repairing or replacing a variety of components. Examples of work involved in this area of specialty includes brakes, calipers, suspension systems, air conditioning, drive train systems, electrical systems, and fuel systems.

Auto Body Training School Near Me

A variety of auto body schools can be found online or on a college campus near you. With MatchCollege, you can find schools below on this resource page or by using our proprietary matching portal. In either case, you can simply find schools that fit your goals and budget by requesting information with a few clicks without visiting each school or picking up the phone. After receiving information packets from your chosen schools, align the offerings with your priority list and narrow down your current list to a handful of programs.

Next, you will need to contact those specific schools to gather additional information about their programs, application process, tuition, student center, academic calendar, classes, hours of operation, staff qualifications, scholarship opportunities, application deadline, library hours, admissions qualifications, student counseling services, campus assessment, and financial aid offerings. Last, you will apply to on-site or online schools that fit you best to earn a degree or certificate of completion before starting work.

Auto Body Technology School

In order to become an auto body technician or collision repair specialist, you will need to complete a formalized training program. A recent survey of auto body technicians suggests formal education through a college or trade school best prepares you for work in the field. Formal education typically comes in one of two ways from an accredited college or trade school: certificate programs or degree programs.

Certificate programs in auto body training are typically 6-18 month programs provide students with the essentials of an auto body and collision repair program. Certificate programs in auto body are earned after high school from a trade school, college, community college, vocational technology school, or technical institute. Degree programs are often 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees that include general education courses plus core curriculum in auto body. Academic support will vary by school but often include core classes in:

  • Engine Management Systems engine theory, service information systems, engine inspection, cooling systems, environmental management, starting systems, batteries, and electrical systems
  • Automotive Diagnostics - fuel systems, powertrain control, onboard diagnostics, electronic ignition, electronics, emission systems, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel ignition systems
  • Chassis inspection, HVAC, bearings, brakes, steering systems, tires, suspension systems, traction control systems, and vibration analysis
  • Drivetrain Systems gears, hydraulics, transmissions, transaxles, differentials, instrumentation, diagnostics, and drivetrains

Auto Body Technician and Collision Technology

In addition to core mechanical and electrical knowledge, a student in a formalized trade school or college will learn about safety in the shop, materials, methods, procedures, regulations, terminology, and business practices in the automotive industry. Equipping students with the basics along with higher-level knowledge about the industry prepares you for a variety of work environments across a number of sectors in technology collision repair.

Continuing education or additional certifications can be earned after degree completion in auto body. Organizations such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) provide additional training and professional certificates for auto body shop professionals. Additional training and certification may be important for some techs to upskill, create upward mobility in a shop, and to increase pay as skills and experience grow.

Educational Requirements in Auto Body Training

Both one year and two year programs are available a community college, trade school, vocational college, and career school.  Such colleges provide the education and practical experience necessary to enter an auto repair facility and seek supervised labor. Individuals having recently graduated from a program will work with experienced professionals in order to apply learned techniques as well as glean techniques and methods not available or covered through one's course of study.

Individuals are not required to graduate from a program to be considered for employment, and many in the field will work as apprentices under the guidance of an experienced expert, though certification and licensure will take longer.

Universities offer various courses in automotive collision repair that may include the successful completion of accredited courses in the auto body trade.  The repair auto body and technology collision repair may include courses such as the following:

  • Rust Repair
  • Computerized Estimating
  • Welding
  • Aftermarket Auto Body Parts
  • Car Paint Repair
  • Auto Collision Repair
  • Frame Pulling
  • Auto Shop Environment
  • Comprehensive Repair Process
  • Autobody Restoration
  • Alignment
  • Auto Body Shop Tools
  • Filler for Restoration and Cosmetic Use
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Auto Body Careers

Individuals will seek employment at various auto repair centers that specialize in collision repair and refinishing or similar facilities where such specialty work may take place. Individuals with an education in auto repair are more likely to find gainful employment and be hired than those seeking training on the job, though both are possible routes for employment.

Students will have to be familiar with a variety of tools and machines used to take apart and repair various portions of the auto body or frame. Individuals may seek voluntary certification through examination with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which demonstrates ability and quality of work to both employers and customers. Job growth is expected to remain steady over the next decade as individuals maintain an interest in renewing and restoring damaged automobiles.

Auto Body Technician Salary

Auto body and collision repair is a competitive trade across the country. The money you will make in the industry will depend on your work experience, place of employment, and geographic location. That being said, the national median income for an auto body shop and collision repair technician is $40,370 with the top 10% making near $70,000 a year.

The industry is set to grow 9% in the coming decade adding some 15,300 new jobs during the same reporting period according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The combination of solid economics and steady income help provide career opportunities for large and small shops around the country.

It is common for auto specialists to earn a base salary plus earn incentives for quality work and productivity while other shops may pay on commission only, piece-meal work, or pay by the hour. In either case, make sure you understand the pay structure, reputation of the shop, expected training, incentives, and overall compensation package in advance.

It is worth noting that autobody repair specialists are beholden to the length of time in a position, geographic location, and competition. As with many professions, auto repair shops in a densely populated urban setting will see a greater degree of volume with auto techs demanding a competitive wage given their unique skills, abilities, and experience.

Auto Body Repair Job Duties

In a recent survey completed by the United States Department of Labor of auto body techs and collision repair specialists, a list of job duties and job responsibilities are illuminated for prospective applicants. While jobs will vary from location to location and state to state, a list of the top job duties in auto body include the following services:

  1. Following guidance of management to restore or replace specific parts or assembly units along with resources and time involved in each job
  2. Reviewing reports, preparing repair cost estimates, and planning work to be performed
  3. Preparing body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape and paper to protect them
  4. Welding auto parts into place, using wrenches, and grinding weld joints to prepare for finish work
  5. Priming and painting repaired surfaces, using spray guns and motorized sanders

States with Highest Employment in Auto Body Repair

  • California 13,170
  • Texas 11,020
  • Florida 9,430
  • Texas 7,150
  • Pennsylvania 7,090

Top Paying States in Auto Body Repair

  1. District of Columbia $67,290
  2. Maryland $58,320
  3. Alaska $53,540
  4. Michigan $51,710
  5. Washington $51,290

Top Employers of Auto Body Repair Specialists

  1. Automotive Repair & Maintenance Shops
  2. Auto Dealers
  3. Automotive Parts Suppliers
  4. Auto Wholesalers
  5. Car Manufacturing Companies

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