Website:
tradecareerpath.com
Job details:
Ever seen a car go from dented and damaged to looking brand new?
Auto body repair technicians are the skilled professionals who make that transformation happen.
Auto body repair technicians, sometimes called
collision repair specialists, restore vehicles after accidents by repairing damaged frames, panels, and finishes.
They use precision tools, welding, sanding, and refinishing methods to return vehicles to safe, road-ready condition.
If you enjoy working with your hands and seeing tangible results from your effort, this trade offers a
rewarding path in the automotive repair industry.
Quick answers
What is an auto body repair technician?
Auto body repair technicians (also called collision repair specialists) restore vehicles after accidents by repairing damaged frames, panels, and finishes.
What do auto body repair technicians do?
They inspect and repair frames, panels, bumpers, and finishes damaged in collisions or wear over time.
How long does training take?
Training typically ranges from about 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether you learn on the job or complete a certificate or degree program.
Is certification required?
Certification is optional, but credentials like I-CAR or ASE Collision Repair can demonstrate competence and increase job opportunities.
Where do they work?
Common work settings include independent or franchise collision repair shops, dealerships and service centers, fleet maintenance facilities, and insurance-referred repair centers.
At a glance
- Repair work: frames, panels, bumpers, and finishes
- Common methods: welding, sanding, straightening, painting, and polishing
- Training time: 6 months to 2 years
- Typical program cost: varies by school, format and location
- Certification: optional (I-CAR, ASE Collision Repair)
- Work settings: collision shops, dealerships, fleet facilities, insurance-referred centers
What Auto Body Repair Technicians Do
Auto body repair technicians inspect and repair vehicle frames, panels, bumpers, and finishes damaged in collisions or wear over time.
They use welding, sanding, straightening, and painting techniques to restore vehicles to manufacturer standards.
Refinishing is the surface preparation and paint or clear coat work that restores the vehicle finish.
Typical Responsibilities
- Assess damage and plan repair approach
- Straighten frames and panels
- Replace damaged parts such as fenders or bumpers
- Mix and apply paint or clear coat finishes
- Polish and reassemble completed vehicles
These technicians blend craftsmanship with technology to bring vehicles back to life after accidents.
Key Skills and Traits for Success
- Manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Mechanical aptitude and tool proficiency
- Knowledge of welding, sanding, and refinishing techniques
- Color matching and surface preparation skills
- Commitment to safety and quality standards
Work Settings for Auto Body Repair Technicians
Auto Body Repair Technicians Commonly Work In
- Independent or franchise collision repair shops
- Automotive dealerships and manufacturer service centers
- Fleet maintenance facilities
- Insurance-referred repair centers
How to Become an Auto Body Repair Technician (5 Steps)
Training as an auto body repair technician typically takes
6 months to 2 years, combining hands-on experience with technical instruction.
- Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Courses in auto mechanics, welding, and industrial arts provide a useful foundation for this trade.
- Complete an Auto Body Training Program
Many trade schools and community colleges offer certificate or diploma programs in collision repair and refinishing.
Work under experienced technicians to learn frame alignment, body panel replacement, and paint finishing techniques.
Certifications like I-CAR or ASE Collision Repair can demonstrate competence and increase job opportunities.
- Build Experience and Specialize
Experienced technicians can specialize in refinishing, custom restoration, or move into supervisory or estimator roles.
Compare training programs near you
Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals.
See programs near you ↑
Education and Training Paths
Pathway Typical Duration Outcome On-the-Job Training 6-12 months Basic collision repair skills Certificate Program 6-18 months Hands-on instruction in repair and refinishing Associate Degree 2 years Comprehensive automotive collision repair education Certification Variable Industry-recognized credentials (I-CAR, ASE)
Career Growth and Advancement
Projected job growth for automotive body and related repairers Use this chart on your site (free)
This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page.
Chart by TradeCareerPath.com
Auto Body Repair Technicians Can Advance Into
- Collision Repair Estimator: prepares cost estimates for repairs
- Refinishing Specialist: focuses on painting and finishing processes
- Shop Supervisor or Manager: oversees technicians and workflow
- Independent Business Owner: operates a repair or restoration shop
Cost and Duration of Training
- Program Cost: varies by school, format and location depending on institution and equipment
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years
- Certification Fees: typically under $300
Auto body repair technicians enjoy a hands-on, results-driven trade with opportunities in restoration, refinishing, and collision repair.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Steady demand from ongoing vehicle repairs
- Visible, satisfying results from completed work
- Opportunities for specialization in custom or high-end restoration
- Path to self-employment with experience
⚠️ Cons
- Exposure to dust, paint fumes, and noise
- Physically demanding work
- Occasional pressure from deadlines or insurance schedules
Quick Facts: Auto Body Repair Technician Training and Outlook
Median Pay $54,890 $26.39/hr Top 10%: $87,940
Job Outlook (2024-2034) 1.6% 14,600 openings/yr
Employment (2025) 149,310
Wage Percentiles 25th $45,750 75th $69,200
Typical Education High school diploma or GED
On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship or postsecondary certificate program
Highest Paying States Rhode IslandCaliforniaDistrict of Columbia
Top Industries Cross-industry
Certification Optional (I-CAR, ASE collision repair certification)
2025 data | SOC 49-3021 | Source: BLS OEWS
What automotive body and related repairers earn across the pay scale Use this chart on your site (free)
This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page.
Chart by TradeCareerPath.com
Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies
These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.
- Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) Industry-standard collision repair training and certification.
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) ASE Collision Repair and Refinish certifications.
- ASE Education Foundation Accredits collision-repair training programs.
Wage and Employment Charts
Annual Wage by Percentile, United States - Automotive Body and Related Repairers Automotive Body and Related Repairers annual wage percentiles, BLS OEWS May 2025 P10 $36910, P25 $45750, P50 $54890, P75 $69200, P90 $87940. 10th $36,910 25th $45,750 50th (median) $54,890 75th $69,200 90th $87,940 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Automotive Body and Related Repairers annual wage percentiles Percentile Annual wage 10th $36,910 25th $45,750 50th (median) $54,890 75th $69,200 90th $87,940 Top-paying states for automotive body and related repairers Use this chart on your site (free)
This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page.
Chart by TradeCareerPath.com
Projected employment growth, United States, Automotive Body and Related Repairers, 2024-2034 Automotive Body and Related Repairers employment 2024 vs 2034 projection, BLS Employment Projections 2024 employment 172600; 2034 projected employment 175400; percent change +1.6%. 2024 172,600 jobs 2034 (proj.) 175,400 jobs Change: +1.6% Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034 Automotive Body and Related Repairers employment projection 2024 to 2034 Year Employment 2024 172,600 2034 projected 175,400 Percent change +1.6%
Compare training programs near you
Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals.
See schools near you ↑
Workplace Safety Snapshot
BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 92.4 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in automotive body and related repairers (about 0.92 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does auto body repair technician training take?
It typically takes typically 6 months to 2 years of training. The most common entry path is through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started.
How much do auto body repair technicians make?
The median annual salary for auto body repair technicians is $54,890 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Entry-level workers earn around $36,910, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $87,940. Pay varies by state, experience, and specialization.
What is the job outlook for auto body repair technicians?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 1.6% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, which is roughly on pace with the overall economy. Approximately 14,600 job openings are expected each year due to growth, retirements, and workers leaving the field.
Do you need a college degree to work as an auto body repair technician?
No. A college degree is not required to work as an auto body repair technician. Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite.
Which states pay auto body repair technicians the most?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for auto body repair technicians are Rhode Island, California, and District of Columbia. Median annual wages: Rhode Island ($72,490); California ($66,860); District of Columbia ($62,640).
Which states employ the most auto body repair technicians?
BLS reports the largest concentrations of auto body repair technicians in Texas, California, and Florida. Employment levels: Texas (14,070 workers); California (14,050 workers); Florida (9,220 workers) (May 2025).
How much do experienced auto body repair technicians earn?
The top 10% of auto body repair technicians earn more than $87,940 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior credentials, supervisory roles, or specialty certifications.
What is entry-level pay for auto body repair technicians?
BLS reports the bottom 10% of auto body repair technicians earn under $36,910 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise as they accumulate experience and credentials.
How many auto body repair technicians work in the United States?
BLS reports approximately 149,310 auto body repair technicians employed nationwide as of May 2025.
How many job openings are expected for auto body repair technicians each year?
BLS projects approximately 14,600 openings per year for auto body repair technicians from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out. The occupation is projected to grow 1.6% from 2024 to 2034, classified as about as fast as average growth.
How much do auto body repair technicians make per hour?
The median hourly wage for auto body repair technicians is $26.39, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $17.74 (bottom 10%) to $42.28 (top 10%).
How Auto Body Repair Technician Pay Compares to Similar Trades
Side-by-side comparison of Auto Body Repair Technician and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).
Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Auto Body Repair Technician this guide $54,890 +1.6% 14,600 Mechanic & Engine Technician $50,620 +4.2% 70,000 Motorcycle Mechanic $48,580 +5.3% 1,500 Maintenance Technician $49,590 +3.8% 159,800
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.
Related Careers
- Mechanic & Engine Technician
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Mechanic & Engine Technician
- Maintenance Technician
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026)
Auto Body Repair Technician Salary by State
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Filter states
State Median annual Top 10% annual Washington $58,340 $133,140 Nevada $60,520 $126,920 Virginia $57,760 $124,120 Maryland $56,100 $114,490 North Dakota $55,160 $98,600 Colorado $59,880 $97,630 District of Columbia $62,640 $97,510 California $66,860 $97,480 Georgia $51,190 $97,080 Rhode Island $72,490 $93,600 Florida $48,600 $93,170 Idaho $49,200 $93,040 Minnesota $60,970 $92,900 Oregon $60,000 $92,700 Iowa $49,400 $85,730 Michigan $56,880 $84,050 Hawaii $60,540 $83,580 North Carolina $50,520 $83,250 New Jersey $62,400 $83,210 Kansas $48,920 $82,310 Indiana $51,160 $82,290 New York $47,670 $81,970 Missouri $60,540 $81,630 Arizona $54,510 $81,150 Alaska $61,680 $81,060 Kentucky $46,080 $80,770 New Hampshire $52,790 $78,880 Texas $51,700 $78,570 Ohio $49,080 $78,370 Pennsylvania $53,660 $78,310 Connecticut $58,220 $78,270 South Carolina $53,290 $78,110 New Mexico $48,260 $78,060 Utah $50,200 $78,040 Illinois $52,020 $77,730 Massachusetts $59,300 $77,400 Arkansas $49,310 $76,550 Oklahoma $48,810 $76,180 Louisiana $47,150 $76,100 Wisconsin $56,660 $75,500 Delaware $48,780 $74,370 Vermont $50,900 $74,140 South Dakota $49,460 $74,110 Mississippi $49,500 $73,810 Alabama $52,040 $72,880 Montana $57,500 $72,850 Nebraska $54,130 $72,730 Maine $50,350 $72,080 Tennessee $47,460 $70,310 Wyoming $49,200 $70,140 West Virginia $47,090 $62,840
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Click on Apply to know more.
