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The differences between auto body technicians and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Auto Body Technician | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $39,232 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $18.86 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 17,467 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Auto body technicians and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Auto Body Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $39,232 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | W&W | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an auto body technician and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Auto Body Technician | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between auto body technicians' and mechanics' demographics:
| Auto Body Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |