Automotive body and related repairers
SOC Code: 49-3021Also known as:
Auto Body Customizer, Auto Body Detailer, Auto Body Estimator (Automotive Body Estimator), Auto Body Man, Auto Body Mechanic
Median Annual Salary
$51,680
+1.6% growth (2024-2034)
15K
Openings/Year
173K
Current Jobs
What Automotive body and related repairers Do
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
💰 Salary
$51,680
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
15K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
172,600
Projected Employment (2034)
175,400
Related Careers
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
$53,990 •
+3.4% growth
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
$49,670 •
+4.2% growth
Rail car repairers
$65,680 •
+2.8% growth
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
$61,680 •
-14.5% growth
Tire builders
$55,580 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
- Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
- Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
- Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
- Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
- Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
- Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
- Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
- Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
- Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Automotive body and related repairers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a automotive body and related repairers:
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician
5,464 degrees awarded •
273 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Automotive body and related repairers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become automotive body and related repairers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do automotive body and related repairers make?
The median annual salary for automotive body and related repairers is $51,680.
What education do automotive body and related repairers need?
Most automotive body and related repairers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.
Is becoming automotive body and related repairers a good career choice?
Automotive body and related repairers is projected to see +1.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 14,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for automotive body and related repairers?
Top colleges for aspiring automotive body and related repairers include
Mid-America Technology Center, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Tulsa Technology Center, Manatee Technical College, Moore Norman Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to automotive body and related repairers?
Automotive body and related repairers may also be known as: Auto Body Customizer, Auto Body Detailer, Auto Body Estimator (Automotive Body Estimator), Auto Body Man, Auto Body Mechanic, Auto Body Paint Prepper (Automotive Body Paint Prepper), Auto Body Paint Tech (Automotive Body Paint Technician), Auto Body Repair Technician (Auto Body Repair Tech), Auto Body Repairer, Auto Body Repairman, Auto Body Service Mechanic, Auto Body Shop Tech (Automotive Body Shop Technician), Auto Body Straightener, Auto Body Worker, Auto Bumper Mechanic, Auto Bumper Straightener, Auto Manufacturing Service Mechanic (Automotive Manufacturing Service Mechanic), Auto Rebuilder, Auto Refinisher, Auto Repair Tech (Automotive Repair Technician).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.