Auto Body Technician salary
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Browse open auto body technicians.
What an auto body technician does
Auto body technicians repair collision damage — straightening structure, replacing panels and refinishing. Distinct from mechanical automotive work.
Day-to-day duties
- Assess collision damage and plan repairs
- Straighten frames and structural components
- Replace and align body panels
- Fill, sand and prepare for paint
- Refinish and blend paintwork
Skills employers look for
- Eye for panel alignment and finish
- Frame measurement systems
- Welding and bonding
- Colour matching and spray technique
Requirements
- Trade programme or apprenticeship
- I-CAR or ASE certification preferred
- Own tools usually expected
- Working with paints and solvents in a booth
How to get started
- 1 Start as a body shop helper or prepper
- 2 Learn panel replacement and filling
- 3 Earn I-CAR or ASE B-series certifications
- 4 Specialise in structural repair or refinishing
Job outlook: Collision work is largely insurance-funded and holds up through downturns. Modern materials and driver-assistance calibration are pushing demand toward higher-certified technicians.
Common questions about auto body technicians
What does an auto body technician do?
Auto body technicians repair collision damage — straightening structure, replacing panels and refinishing. Distinct from mechanical automotive work. Day to day, that means assess collision damage and plan repairs, straighten frames and structural components, replace and align body panels and fill, sand and prepare for paint.
How do you become an auto body technician?
The usual route is: (1) start as a body shop helper or prepper, (2) learn panel replacement and filling, (3) earn I-CAR or ASE B-series certifications, (4) specialise in structural repair or refinishing. Employers typically look for trade programme or apprenticeship, i-CAR or ASE certification preferred and own tools usually expected.
Do you need a certification to work as an auto body technician?
Usually not. Most employers hire auto body technicians without a specific licence, though i-CAR or ASE certification preferred will widen your options and often your pay.
Are auto body technicians in demand?
Collision work is largely insurance-funded and holds up through downturns. Modern materials and driver-assistance calibration are pushing demand toward higher-certified technicians.
Where are auto body technicians most in demand?
See the metro and rural areas with the highest concentration of this work, ranked from Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
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Pay figures are estimates for guidance only, not an offer or guarantee. Advertised ranges come from job postings on LocalWork; government figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, shift and employer.