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The differences between auto body technicians and body shop technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a body shop technician has an average salary of $42,116, which is higher than the $39,232 average annual salary of an auto body technician.
The top three skills for an auto body technician include spray guns, customer service and collision repair. The most important skills for a body shop technician are body shop, OSHA, and refinish.
| Auto Body Technician | Body Shop Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,232 | $42,116 |
| Hourly rate | $18.86 | $20.25 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 17,467 | 40,107 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An auto body technician is responsible for assessing vehicle damage and conducting repairs after evaluating the cost estimates. Auto body technicians' duties include replacing auto parts, which caused malfunctions, determining the extent of damage, and testing the engine performance to ensure that it is safe for use after the appropriate modifications. Auto body technicians must also adhere to the client's specifications, especially on upgrading features and installing systems that would improve the engine's performance.
A body shop technician specializes in repairing and restoring the exteriors of vehicles. It is their responsibility to assess vehicle damage reports, conduct inspections, develop plans, provide cost estimates, remove damaged parts and attach new ones, realign frames and structures, perform installations and upgrades, and refinish surfaces. They may also assist clients by answering inquiries, providing them with vehicle care advice, and recommending upgrades. Moreover, a body shop technician typically works in a group setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Auto body technicians and body shop technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Auto Body Technician | Body Shop Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,232 | $42,116 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $26,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Middletown, CT |
| Highest paying state | California | Maine |
| Best paying company | W&W | DATTCO |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an auto body technician and a body shop technician in terms of educational background:
| Auto Body Technician | Body Shop Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between auto body technicians' and body shop technicians' demographics:
| Auto Body Technician | Body Shop Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8% | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 1.7% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |