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.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Long-term
Projected Growth: 1.2% (below average)
Annual job openings: 14,600
Direct AI exposure: 2% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 6% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $55K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $37K per year | $46K per year | $55K per year | $69K per year | $88K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $3.91K above the national average. | ||||
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.
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.
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.
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