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Auto mechanic apprentice vs body shop technician

The differences between auto mechanic apprentices 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 $37,671 average annual salary of an auto mechanic apprentice.

The top three skills for an auto mechanic apprentice include oil changes, R and engine tune-ups. The most important skills for a body shop technician are body shop, OSHA, and refinish.

Auto mechanic apprentice vs body shop technician overview

Auto Mechanic ApprenticeBody Shop Technician
Yearly salary$37,671$42,116
Hourly rate$18.11$20.25
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs97,91840,107
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Auto mechanic apprentice vs body shop technician salary

Auto mechanic apprentices and body shop technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Auto Mechanic ApprenticeBody Shop Technician
Average salary$37,671$42,116
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $60,000Between $26,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City-Middletown, CT
Highest paying state-Maine
Best paying company-DATTCO
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between auto mechanic apprentice and body shop technician education

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

Auto Mechanic ApprenticeBody Shop Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Auto mechanic apprentice vs body shop technician demographics

Here are the differences between auto mechanic apprentices' and body shop technicians' demographics:

Auto Mechanic ApprenticeBody Shop Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 93.4% Female, 6.6%Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage4%4%

Differences between auto mechanic apprentice and body shop technician duties and responsibilities

Auto mechanic apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Utilize sophisticate diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot and correct vehicle computer, electrical, and mechanical, problems.

Body shop technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform panel repairs all around with the use of bondo and glaze.
  • Have worked with everything from bondo and paint prep all the way to welding support pieces together.
  • Maintain a safe, clean work area and follow all establish safety guidelines, ensuring conformance with OSHA.
  • Complete prep and refinish to factory or customer specifications.
  • Enter invoices electronically using CCC one and store invoices inside their specific file.

Auto mechanic apprentice vs body shop technician skills

Common auto mechanic apprentice skills
  • Oil Changes, 20%
  • R, 17%
  • Engine Tune-Ups, 12%
  • MIG, 11%
  • Body Shop, 10%
  • Customer Vehicles, 8%
Common body shop technician skills
  • Body Shop, 24%
  • OSHA, 11%
  • Refinish, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Repair Orders, 6%

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