Auto Body Program

The auto body program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology prepares students for careers as a custom painter, technician, glass installation technician, welder, metal fabricator, or paint technician. The program focuses on applying technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct, and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features. Program courses include: structure analysis, damage repair, non-structural analysis, mechanical and electrical components, plastics and adhesives, painting and refinishing techniques, and damage analysis and estimating. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer auto body program.

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Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech)

1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA

History

Lake Washington Institute of Technology, located in Kirkland, Washington, was founded in 1949 as a vocational school, when it was known as the Lake Washington Technical College. Originally the school only had a program for sewing, but over the years has added and expanded its programs. In 1991 LWIT became a degree granting technical college. In addition to the main campus, LWIT operates two satellite campuses in Redmond and Duvall.

Academics

LWIT offers certificate, associate's and bachelor's for a variety of majors and operates with the goal offering quality education to students in order to prepare them for their careers. Alongside degree programs, LWIT offers certificate programs to add additional skills for those already working and looking to increase marketability.

Programs of study include:

• Accounting
• Culinary Arts
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Massage Practitioner
• Applied Design

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in degree programs, or plan to enroll in more than 15 credits must submit an application. All students must be a high school graduate or equivalent or be 18 years of age or older. Program enrollment may be limited, and some programs may require additional application processes.

Financial aid is available and interested students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and visit the financial aid website for helpful tips and resources.

Students Enrolled in the Auto Body Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. LWTech has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Description

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Description

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, automotive body and related repairers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 850
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.64
  • Average Annual Salary: $61660
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 350
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.90
  • Average Annual Salary: $47630

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Description

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, automotive glass installers and repairers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.8% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.51
  • Average Annual Salary: $36410
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Average Hourly Rate: $18.47
  • Average Annual Salary: $38430

Painters, Transportation Equipment

Description

Operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes. Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, painters, transportation equipment employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.21
  • Average Annual Salary: $60760
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 130
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.48
  • Average Annual Salary: $48830

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).