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What is an auto body technician and how to become one
An auto body technician repairs and restores damaged vehicles. They work to assess the damage and determine the appropriate repairs. Auto body technicians also work with specialized tools and equipment to reshape, align, and repair parts of the vehicle's body. They use attention to detail and work efficiently to complete repairs within a reasonable timeframe. Auto body technicians typically work in auto body shops, collision centers, or dealerships, and may specialize in certain vehicles or repairs.
Avg. Salary $39,232
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.65%
Asian 1.71%
Black or African American 7.09%
Hispanic or Latino 19.60%
Unknown 4.09%
White 66.86%
Genderfemale 4.77%
male 95.23%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being an auto body technician?
Pros
High demand for auto body technicians
Potential for job stability and security
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Ability to see the impact of your work on the finished product
Potential for competitive pay and benefits
Cons
Work can be repetitive and tedious at times
Work environment can be noisy and dirty
May have to work in uncomfortable positions or tight spaces
May need to work evenings or weekends to meet customer demands
Limited opportunities for creativity or personal expression.
Auto body technician career paths
Key steps to become an auto body technician
Explore auto body technician education requirements
Start to develop specific auto body technician skills
Skills Percentages Spray Guns 23.32% Customer Service 19.83% Collision Repair 7.73% ASE 6.33% Repair Vehicles 6.19% Complete relevant auto body technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New auto body technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an auto body technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real auto body technician resumes.Gain additional auto body technician certifications
More About CertificationsAuto body technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific auto body technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for auto body technicians include Master Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician and Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Research auto body technician duties and responsibilities
- Attain ICAR and ASE master technician status.
- Replace inner and outer body panels using MIG and spot welding machines.
- Repair all makes and models (big jobs/small jobs) A/C work.
- Disassemble cars fenders, chrome trim, badges.
Prepare your auto body technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your auto body technician resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an auto body technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable auto body technician resume templates
Build a professional auto body technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your auto body technician resume.
Apply for auto body technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an auto body technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first auto body technician job
Are you an auto body technician?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average auto body technician salary
The average auto body technician salary in the United States is $39,232 per year or $19 per hour. Auto body technician salaries range between $27,000 and $55,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do auto body technicians rate their job?
Auto body technician reviews
Disappoinment in my own work, as I'm interested in becoming perfect
Restoration of the vehicle
Working with hands, vehicle repair cost savings, tangible benefits, satisfaction.
Poor wages, physical damage to health, complicated repair procedures due to safety construction, liability due to lack of training, cost of having proper tooling, insurance companies dictating repairs. MSO’s working to monopolize shops, cost of materials
Out of all the steps involved in repair it's the one that seems to me less like work and more like passion
Updated January 8, 2025
