How To Become An Auto Damage Estimator: What It Is and Career Path

What is an auto damage estimator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

As an auto damage estimator, your purpose will be to inspect vehicles involved in an accident, assess the damage done, and estimate the cost of repair or their replacement. You will typically work on auto dealerships, garages, insurance companies or could choose to work independently.

Some of the duties and responsibilities that you will be performing in this capacity include assessing the kind of accident that took place, assessing the vehicle thoroughly to inspect the damage done, and the estimated cost it will likely take to repair. Moreover, you will also draft a report for the insurance company if need be regarding the damage and estimated cost to replace or repair. Moreover, you can also be tasked with repairing such damaged vehicles on your own. Essential skills required to complete these tasks successfully include attention to detail, communication, analytical, organizational, physical stamina, and customer service.

A high school diploma or a GED may suffice for this role's educational requirements; however, having an associate's degree may prove beneficial. Optional certifications available from institutions such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence may prove advantageous. The average hourly pay for this role is $24.72, which amounts to $51,421 annually.

ScoreAuto Damage EstimatorUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,452

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.4

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 5.21%

Black or African American 11.30%

Hispanic or Latino 16.79%

Unknown 4.40%

White 61.80%

Gender

female 21.61%

male 78.39%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an auto damage estimator

Explore auto damage estimator education requirements

Most common auto damage estimator degrees

Bachelor's

56.1 %

Associate

15.9 %

High School Diploma

11.2 %

Start to develop specific auto damage estimator skills

Skills	Percentages
Repair Facilities	27.28%
Damage Estimates	11.22%
Customer Service	9.42%
Body Shop	8.82%
ADP	7.92%

Complete relevant auto damage estimator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New auto damage estimators 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 damage estimator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real auto damage estimator resumes.

Research auto damage estimator duties and responsibilities

Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
Estimate collision damages through computer generate estimates, Mitchell, CCC.
Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.
Prepare files for arbitration and litigation/mediation.

Prepare your auto damage estimator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your auto damage estimator 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 damage estimator 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 damage estimator resume templates

Build a professional auto damage estimator 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 damage estimator resume.