Autobody Repairer

Your Fit

Income

$52K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Autobody Repairer?

Autobody Repairers specialize in repairing and restoring the bodies of vehicles damaged in accidents. They work to return cars, trucks, and other vehicles to their original condition, focusing on dents, scratches, and structural damage.

Sample job titles:

Auto Body Man, Automotive Body Technician (Auto Body Tech), Body Man, Body Technician (Body Tech)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Autobody Repairer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Autobody Repairer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$45K per year	$52K per year	$65K per year	$87K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.18K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Autobody Repairer do?

Work environment

Autobody Repairers typically work in body shops, collision repair centers, or dealerships. The environment is a workshop setting, often noisy and filled with various tools and machinery. Safety precautions are important due to exposure to chemicals, paints, and physical tasks.

Quick task list

Assesses vehicle damage and creates repair plans.
Removes damaged body parts, including bumpers, fenders, and doors.
Repairs dents, scratches, and other body damage.
Welds replacement parts into place.
Applies new paint to restored body areas.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Collision Repair: Focusing on repairing vehicles damaged in accidents.
Custom Body Work: Specializing in custom modifications and enhancements.
Paintless Dent Repair: Expertise in removing dents without needing to repaint.
Vintage Car Restoration: Restoring and refurbishing classic and vintage vehicles.

Description

Autobody Repairers play a crucial role in the automotive industry, ensuring vehicles not only look their best but are also safe to drive following an accident. Their work requires a combination of technical skills in welding, sanding, painting, and an eye for detail to match the original appearance of the vehicle. They must be knowledgeable about different types of vehicles, body materials, and the best repair techniques for each.

Precision is key in autobody work. Repairers must accurately assess damage and perform repairs that align with the vehicle's original structure and design. As technology in vehicles advances, they must also stay updated with new materials and repair methods, including understanding how to work with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other electronic components integrated into modern vehicle bodies.

In addition to technical skills, autobody repairers need good communication and customer service skills, as they often interact with vehicle owners and insurance adjusters. They must explain repair processes and provide cost estimates, requiring honesty and transparency.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Restoring the appearance and safety of damaged vehicles.
The challenge and satisfaction of meticulous, hands-on work.
Seeing the tangible results of their work in transformed vehicles.

You might make a good Autobody Repairer if you are...

Interested in cars and skilled in working with your hands.
Detail-oriented, with a good eye for aesthetics and design.
Passionate about solving complex problems and restoring vehicles.
Able to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues.
Eager to learn and adapt to new technologies and repair techniques.

Pros:

Creative and satisfying work.
Opportunities for specialization.
A clear and visible impact of your work.

Cons:

Physically demanding.
Exposure to chemicals and dust.
Need to keep up with rapidly changing vehicle technologies.

How to become an Autobody Repairer

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient, with most skills learned on the job. However, many repairers complete technical or vocational training programs in autobody repair. Increasingly, employers prefer candidates with formal training and knowledge of the latest repair techniques.

High school preparation

Courses:

Automotive Technology: Introduction to automotive repair and maintenance, focusing on bodywork.
Technical Education or Shop Classes: Hands-on experience with tools and machinery, including basic welding and metalworking.
Art and Design: Skills in visual assessment and design, useful for bodywork detailing and finishing.
Physics and Mathematics: Basic understanding of mechanical principles and measurements for precise repair work.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Automotive Club or Hobbyist Groups: Practical experience working on car projects, learning about vehicle mechanics and bodywork.
Part-time Jobs or Internships in Auto Body Shops: Real-world experience in autobody repair and business operations.
Volunteering for Car Restoration Projects: Exposure to a variety of car models and restoration techniques.
Participation in Automotive Competitions: Encourages learning and application of autobody skills in a competitive environment.

Preparation after high school

Degrees and Courses: - Vocational Training or Certificate Program: Specialized programs in autobody repair and refinishing. Courses typically cover topics such as painting, dent repair, welding, and collision repair. - Associate's Degree in Automotive Technology or Collision Repair: More comprehensive study including both the practical and theoretical aspects of autobody work.

Experiences:

Apprenticeships in Auto Body Shops: Valuable hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced repairers.
Certifications: Obtaining certifications from organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in collision repair can enhance credibility and job prospects.
On-the-Job Training: Many employers provide specific training in repair techniques, safety protocols, and new technologies in the field.

More resources

Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) - Provides training, certification, and educational resources for collision repair professionals.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - A tool for career exploration and job analysis, offering detailed information about the role of Autobody Repairers.
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - Offers certification and training resources for automotive professionals, including those specializing in autobody repair.
Automotive Body Repair News (ABRN) - An online resource offering news, technical articles, and updates in the field of autobody repair.
Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) - Provides support, scholarships, and grants to promote education and training in the collision repair industry.

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