Life As an Automotive Body Repairer
Occupation Description Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
A Day in the Life of an Automotive Body Repairer
- Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.
- Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.
- Clean work areas, using air hoses, to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.
- Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.
- Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.
- Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
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What Every Automotive Body Repairer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Automotive Body Repairers say are important on the job.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles
- Body Mechanic Apprentice
- Auto Vinyl Top Installer
- Automotive Refinisher
- Fiberglass Autobody Repairer
- Collision Worker
Is There Going to be Demand for Automotive Body Repairers?
In the United States, there were 160,400 jobs for Automotive Body Repairer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 13,700 new jobs for Automotive Body Repairer by 2026. There will be an estimated 17,100 positions for Automotive Body Repairer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Automotive Body Repairer are Utah, Washington, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Maine, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Automotive Body Repairers Salary
The salary for Automotive Body Repairers ranges between about $25,960 and $71,970 a year.
Automotive Body Repairers who work in Alaska, Hawaii, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Automotive Body Repairers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,960 |
| Alaska | $61,440 |
| Arizona | $48,740 |
| Arkansas | $41,500 |
| California | $51,320 |
| Colorado | $49,410 |
| Connecticut | $50,970 |
| Delaware | $41,230 |
| District of Columbia | $45,800 |
| Florida | $41,600 |
| Georgia | $47,460 |
| Hawaii | $51,230 |
| Idaho | $45,270 |
| Illinois | $46,690 |
| Indiana | $41,910 |
| Iowa | $41,730 |
| Kansas | $41,350 |
| Kentucky | $43,540 |
| Louisiana | $41,870 |
| Maine | $38,200 |
| Maryland | $53,340 |
| Massachusetts | $50,790 |
| Michigan | $48,430 |
| Minnesota | $46,730 |
| Mississippi | $41,520 |
| Missouri | $47,640 |
| Montana | $43,460 |
| Nebraska | $42,290 |
| Nevada | $42,660 |
| New Hampshire | $45,660 |
| New Jersey | $49,180 |
| New Mexico | $39,180 |
| New York | $46,460 |
| North Carolina | $50,950 |
| North Dakota | $52,320 |
| Ohio | $43,230 |
| Oklahoma | $38,400 |
| Oregon | $43,410 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,080 |
| Rhode Island | $48,460 |
| South Carolina | $40,280 |
| South Dakota | $40,140 |
| Tennessee | $41,180 |
| Texas | $45,910 |
| Utah | $42,120 |
| Vermont | $43,540 |
| Virginia | $53,060 |
| Washington | $53,530 |
| West Virginia | $37,800 |
| Wisconsin | $43,970 |
| Wyoming | $47,190 |
What Tools do Automotive Body Repairers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Automotive Body Repairers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Appointment scheduling software
- Inventory management software
- Accounting software
- Palm OS
- Accounts receivable software
- Materials management software
- AutoZone ALLDATA
How do I Become an Automotive Body Repairer?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Automotive Body Repairer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Automotive Body Repairers Work?
Automotive Body Repairers work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Automotive Body Repairer may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as an Automotive Body Repairer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Rail Car Repairers
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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