How To Become An Automotive Detailer: What It Is and Career Path

What is an automotive detailer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

An automotive detailer specializes in cleaning and restoring the appearance of vehicles. They clean, polish, and protect the exterior and interior of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Detailers typically work in auto shops, car washes, or as independent contractors. Their services can range from basic washes to extensive detailing jobs that involve paint correction, waxing, and upholstery cleaning. Automotive detailers aim to provide clients with a vehicle that looks and feels like new.

ScoreAutomotive DetailerUS Average

Salary

2.2

Avg. Salary $28,357

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.86%

Asian 4.60%

Black or African American 11.89%

Hispanic or Latino 13.39%

Unknown 4.93%

White 64.32%

Gender

female 10.61%

male 89.39%

Age - 36

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 - 36

Stress level

6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an automotive detailer?

Pros

Flexibility in scheduling work hours
Possibility of earning tips from satisfied customers
Opportunity for career advancement in the automotive industry
Opportunity to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Possibility of improving communication and customer service skills

Cons

Possibility of working in uncomfortable temperatures or weather conditions
Possibility of long hours, including weekends and holidays
Low starting pay with limited benefits
Repetitive tasks can become monotonous or boring
Possibility of being responsible for any damage caused during detailing process

Key steps to become an automotive detailer

Explore automotive detailer education requirements

Most common automotive detailer degrees

High School Diploma

51.2 %

Associate

17.8 %

Bachelor's

13.5 %

Start to develop specific automotive detailer skills

Skills	Percentages
Work Ethic	22.58%
Cleanliness	10.15%
Customer Vehicles	9.46%
Engine Compartment	7.12%
Air Compressors	4.80%

Complete relevant automotive detailer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New automotive detailers 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 automotive detailer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real automotive detailer resumes.

Research automotive detailer duties and responsibilities

Cleaned/Wax automobiles and maintain the cleanliness of the showroom
Detail cars, trucks, RV's, and boats on a daily basis.
Detail cars, trucks, planes, RV's, boats, air boats, hover crafts and all-terrain vehicles.
Visit various stores, take inventory, and stock their shelves with Frito-Lay products.

Prepare your automotive detailer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your automotive detailer 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 automotive detailer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable automotive detailer resume templates

Build a professional automotive detailer 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 automotive detailer resume.