A career as an auto body technician is one that is suitable for those who are looking for an accessible career that requires little formal education. It is one that offers many career progression opportunities and a cohesive and friendly working environment. Although there are no formal educational requirements to becoming an auto body technician, it may be advantageous to complete a a diploma in automotive repair. For the best opportunities, it is recommended that all auto body technicians also gain certification, as it shows competence and usually brings higher pay.
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Auto Body Technician Career Guide
An added bonus for people in auto repair careers is that there’s a lot to love about the automotive industry. Professionals like auto body technicians experience the thrill of restoring these machines to their original beauty in an exciting and challenging working environment.
Auto Body Technician Career Ratings
Income
Career
Growth
Personal Growth
Contribution
Influence
Job Profiles
Real-Life Auto Body Technician Job Profiles
Below is a list of links to anonymous job profiles of REAL PEOPLE who have filled out our survey and offered to share their insights with our users about their job in the Auto Body Technician field.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33697 | Auto Tech Ii | Male | 27 | $51,000 | WOODBRIDGE, VA | 01/01/2010 |
| 32734 | Mobile Metal Equipment Repairman | Male | 64 | $53,000 | fairfield, CA | 01/01/2010 |
| 32637 | Material Handler | Female | 56 | $35,000 | blacksburg, VA | 01/01/2010 |
Overview
What an auto body technician actually does
Auto body technicians perform repair work on cars that have sustained damage to the vehicle’s body after traffic accidents, hail damage, or vandalism. They typically work in repair shops and they may specialize in a particular area of vehicle body repair, such as dent repair. They may also obtain certification to work on specific vehicle brand. Their typical responsibilities and duties include:
- Speaking to customers to gauge what work needs to be done
- Performing diagnostic assessments to ensure that all issues have been detected
- Performing cost estimations and checking this fits the customers budget
- Repairing and replacing damaged parts
- Connecting new vehicle parts
- Repairing scratches and fixing dings and dents
- Restoring the look and integrity of a vehicle
Why they are needed
With 83% of all adults in the United States reporting that they drive at least several times a week, there is a demand for the upkeep, repair and maintenance of the vehicles we use for both commercial and leisure driving. Auto body technicians are needed because they have the unique skills that allow them to play a vital role in car maintenance, repair and upkeep.
Pros and cons of a career as a auto body technician
Pros:
- It is a relatively easy career to enter, as there are little formal educational requirements
- There are lots of opportunities within the industry. For example, auto body technicians can work for themselves or they can work in repair shops of various sizes
- Like many mechanical jobs, working in a repair shop/garage offers a friendly and cohesive working environment
- There is often high job satisfaction, as auto body technicians conduct hands-on and practical work and get to see the finished product
Cons:
- It can be a hazardous career, as auto body technicians work with large tools that produce heat and sparks. They may also have to lift heavy objects
- Auto body technicians will have to work in a noisy environment
- Auto body technicians may have to work long hours when they have to complete a job to meet the clients deadline
Employability
Job market
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not specify the job market for auto body technician specifically. However, the overall employment of automotive body and glass repairers is projected to grow 2% for 2019 to 2029, which is slower than the average for all occupations.
Most of the job openings in the coming years are expected to result from the need to replace workers who exit the labor force to either retire or transfer to other roles. To have the best opportunity at securing one of the roles, it is advisable to have industry certification and training in automotive body repair, refinishing, and in collision repair.
Career paths
To become an auto body technician, you will most likely need to have completed a training program in automotive body repair. This can be completed at a high school, at a trade and technical school or at a community college and typically takes 6 months to 1 year to complete. However, you can begin work without any previous training.
New auto body technicians typically receive on-the-job training, where they will help experienced body repairers with basic tasks. As they gain more experience, they move onto more complex work. To decrease the amount of on the job training required, auto body technicians can complete programs in collision repair.
It is also important to note that automotive technology and materials are rapidly changing. Therefore, throughout their career, auto body technicians are expected to continue to develop their skills by reading technical manuals and by attending classes, seminars and training programs.
Although not required, it is recommended that all auto body technicians gain certification as it shows competence and usually brings higher pay. Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a standard credential for body repairers and technicians. In addition, many vehicle and paint manufacturers have product certification programs that are used to train body repairers in specific technologies and repair methods.
Example Job Titles for Auto Body Technician
Below is a list of common job titles in the Auto Body Technician field. Click the links below for more information about these job titles, or view the next section for actual real-life job profiles.
Benefits & Conditions
Income and benefits
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for automotive body repairers (similar to technicians) was $43,580 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,470.
Autonomy and Flexibility
The level of autonomy and flexibility for an auto body repair technician will vary depending on the amount of experience they have. For instance, an auto body technician with 10 years experience will have more control over their decisions than an auto body technician who has just started on-the-job training. Similarly, an auto body technician who works for themselves is likely to have more flexibility than those who work for a large company.
Locations and commute
According to Zippia, the best states to be an auto body technician, based on average annual salary and number of jobs available are:
- Iowa, where the average annual salary is $48,798
- New Jersey, where the average annual salary is $58,113
- Wisconsin, where the average annual salary is $45,235
- Ohio, where the average annual salary is $45,300
- South Dakota, where the average annual salary is $42,865
The worst states, according to Zippia, are Georgia, Texas, Colorado, California and Mississippi.
Work environment
The largest employers of automotive body repairers in the united states were automotive body, paint, interior and glass repair, which employed 61% of all auto body technicians. Automobile dealers employed 17%, 6% are self-employed and the automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance industry employs 5%.
Some auto body technicians will run their own body repair shop. However, many work for others. Often, repair shops are noisy and can be cramped.
Career Satisfaction
Common Matching Personality Types
Which personalities tend to succeed and thrive in Auto Body Technician careers? Based on our research, there is a relatively strong positive correlation between the following personality types and Auto Body Technician career satisfaction. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many exceptions, of course, but if you fit into one of the following personality types then we suggest you give strong consideration to a career in Auto Body Technician.
16 Types (Myers-Briggs)
- None
Big Five (OCEAN)
- None
DISC
- None
Enneagram
- None
Holland Codes (RIASEC)
Personality types
There has been no scientific exploration into exactly what personality types will make a successful auto body technician. However, the Myers Briggs personality type of ISTP, or otherwise known as ‘the craftsperson’, is likely to be a successful auto body technician. This is because these types are able to tackle problems in their immediate environment, with an innate mechanical ability and they enjoy building and fixing objects. ISTPs are typically very attentive to detail, independent, adaptable and self-directed, which are key skills for an auto body technician.
Accomplishment and mastery
As auto body technicians can learn advanced skills in a relatively short space of time, there is high skill accomplishment and mastery. After gaining experience in the occupation, auto body technicians may then have opportunities to advance to become self employed, which increases the amount of accomplishment and mastery. Furthermore, as auto body technicians are expected to constantly update their skills and knowledge, the sense of accomplishment and mastery increases throughout their career.
Meaning and contribution
Granted, the work of auto body technicians probably won’t have the same meaning and contribution as that of a heart surgeon or human rights lawyer. However, auto body technicians have the unique skills to look after peoples most prized possessions – their cars. Therefore, when auto body technicians do an excellent job, the meaning and contribution to the lives of their clients is high.
Life fit
Auto body technicians usually work routine business hours, which means that on the most part, it is a career that offers an excellent life fit. However, some may have to work evenings, weekends, and overtime depending on where they work or who they work for.
Who will thrive in this career?
One of the most important things an auto body technician can be is physically fit. This is because they will need to stand for long periods of time and may have to kneel or bend down. Those who can work well as part of a team and communicate well with others are likely to thrive as auto body technicians. This is because auto body technicians may have to work in teams with other automotive workers (e.g., mechanics or other technicians). Finally, the ability to pay attention to detail and work well under pressure will help you to thrive as an auto body technician, as they will have to carefully inspect cars for damage and follow instructions.
Who will struggle in this career?
Similarly to what is mentioned above, you are are likely to struggle with working as an auto body technician if you are physically unfit. This is because if auto body technicians aren’t physically fit, they may struggle to stand up for hours on end or kneel down where needed. Similarly, if you prefer more ‘modest’ working conditions (e.g., sitting down in an air conditioned office), then you may struggle with the working conditions of repair shops of garages. Finally, if you prefer to work alone or do less practical work, then you may struggle as an auto body technician due to the practical and hands-on nature of the work.
Requirements
Quick Glance
Skills
Skills and talents
As well as physical strength, fitness and stamina, to become an auto body technician, you will need skills and talents such as:
- Customer-service skills, as you will need to work closely with customers and must be courteous and be able to effectively communicate ideas, problems and solutions
- Attention to detail, as restoring damage requires someone who can notice even the smallest imperfections
- Dexterity, as auto body technicians will have to carefully hammer out dents or fix paint work issues using hand tools . This requires a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination
- Critical thinking skills, as auto body technicians must be able to evaluate vehicle damage and determine necessary repair strategies
- Time management skills, as auto body technicians will need to be timely with their repairs and ensure that they are completed before the deadline.
Education
To become an auto body technician, you will most likely need to have completed a training program in automotive body repair. This can be completed a high school, trade and technical school and community colleges and typically takes 6 months to 1 year to complete. However, you can begin work without any previous training.
New auto body technicians typically receive on-the-job training, where they will help experienced body repairers with basic tasks. As they gain more experience, they move onto more complex work. To decrease the amount of on the job training required, auto body technicians can complete programs in collision repair.
It is also important to note that automotive technology and materials are rapidly changing. Therefore, throughout their career, auto body technicians are expected to continue to develop their skills by reading technical manuals and by attending classes, seminars and training programs.
Certifications
Although not required, it is recommended that all auto body technicians gain certification as it shows competence and usually brings higher pay. Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a standard credential for body repairers and technicians. In addition, many vehicle and paint manufacturers have product certification programs that are used to train body repairers in specific technologies and repair methods.
How to Become
Summary
A career as an auto body technician is one that is suitable for those who are looking for an accessible career that requires little formal education. It is one that offers many career progression opportunities and a cohesive and friendly working environment.
Immediate action
Like all trades work, having experience in the field is helpful. So, we recommend you contact local garages and repair shops to see if you can help out. It is also advisable to check out what courses you local schools and colleges offer.
Education and learning
There are no formal educational requirements to becoming an auto body technician. It may be advantageous to complete a a diploma in automotive repair, but it is not essential. For the best opportunities, it is recommended that all auto body technicians gain certification as it shows competence and usually brings higher pay.
Skill development
Auto body technicians receive all the training they need on-the-job. It is also important to note that automotive technology and materials are rapidly changing. Therefore, throughout their career, auto body technicians are expected to continue to develop their skills by reading technical manuals and by attending classes, seminars and training programs.
FAQs
Ask a Question
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| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33697 | Auto Tech Ii | Male | 27 | $51,000 | WOODBRIDGE, VA | 01/01/2010 |
| 32734 | Mobile Metal Equipment Repairman | Male | 64 | $53,000 | fairfield, CA | 01/01/2010 |
| 32637 | Material Handler | Female | 56 | $35,000 | blacksburg, VA | 01/01/2010 |