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Auto body technician vs paint technician

The differences between auto body technicians and paint technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an auto body technician has an average salary of $39,232, which is higher than the $37,602 average annual salary of a paint technician.

The top three skills for an auto body technician include spray guns, customer service and collision repair. The most important skills for a paint technician are work ethic, fiberglass, and paint guns.

Auto body technician vs paint technician overview

Auto Body TechnicianPaint Technician
Yearly salary$39,232$37,602
Hourly rate$18.86$18.08
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs17,46728,982
Job satisfaction2-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does an auto body technician do?

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.

What does a paint technician do?

The responsibilities of a Paint Technician primarily depend on their place or industry of employment. In the automotive industry, a Paint Technician specializes in painting new vehicles, conducting paint repairs, or providing custom paint services. Their tasks often include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, developing strategies and concepts, and adhering to schedules and formats. Aside from having a great attention to detail, a Paint Technician must also have strength, endurance, and presence of mind as their duties require long hours of physical work.

Auto body technician vs paint technician salary

Auto body technicians and paint technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Auto Body TechnicianPaint Technician
Average salary$39,232$37,602
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $55,000Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CASanta Clarita, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyW&WBall
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between auto body technician and paint technician education

There are a few differences between an auto body technician and a paint technician in terms of educational background:

Auto Body TechnicianPaint Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Auto body technician vs paint technician demographics

Here are the differences between auto body technicians' and paint technicians' demographics:

Auto Body TechnicianPaint Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 95.2% Female, 4.8%Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between auto body technician and paint technician duties and responsibilities

Auto body technician example 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.
  • Load aluminum body side onto jig for automate welding.
  • Steel, aluminum, and fiberglass repair and fabrication.
  • Show more

Paint technician example responsibilities.

  • Use of booms, and hoists.
  • Use and conduct proper care of PPE.
  • Remove and replace chrome moldings and trim.
  • Help troubleshoot any issues with the painting systems.
  • Control CNC machine to run the assembly line.
  • Paint PrepperI work as a paint prepper for Nalley BMW.
  • Show more

Auto body technician vs paint technician skills

Common auto body technician skills
  • Spray Guns, 23%
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Collision Repair, 8%
  • ASE, 6%
  • Repair Vehicles, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
Common paint technician skills
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Fiberglass, 9%
  • Paint Guns, 7%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • Painting Equipment, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%

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