Occupation · SOC 49-3021
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Median wage
$51,680
$36,390–$87,040
Projected growth
+1.6%
Slower than average
Annual openings
280
per year
Employed (US)
155,220
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
239 mapped
Core skills
RepairingTroubleshootingCritical ThinkingMonitoringOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisTime ManagementSpeaking
Knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingMathematics
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareCalendar and scheduling softwarePoint of sale POS softwareData base user interface and query softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Representative tasks
File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.Replace damaged glass on vehicles.Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.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.Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.Read specifications or confer with customers to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hand tools and power sanders — follow step-by-step instructions to file, grind, and smooth filled body surfaces under direct supervisor guidance in a production shop.Dent removal hammers and dolly blocks — position and use under supervision to beat out minor dents from vehicle body panels on a shop floor.Masking tape and protective paper — apply to bumpers, windows, and trim to shield them from paint overspray following demonstrated shop procedures.Sandpaper and orbital sanders — sand body areas designated for painting according to supervisor directions in a collision repair bay.Primer and paint spraygun — apply primer coat to small repaired surface sections under close technician oversight in a paint booth.Supervisor work orders — read and follow written and verbal instructions identifying which vehicle parts to restore or replace within a given time estimate.Basic hand wrenches — assist in fitting replacement panels into position under direct guidance from a lead technician on the shop floor.Visual inspection checklists — identify obvious surface defects or incomplete repairs on finished vehicles by comparing work against shop quality standards.Shop safety protocols — recognize and follow established hazard-control procedures, including PPE use, when working with grinding, welding, and paint equipment.Inventory and parts records — locate and retrieve specified replacement parts from shop stock using basic organizational systems under direction.
developing
Power grinders and hand files — routinely file, grind, sand, and smooth body filler and welded repair areas to production-ready finish with minimal oversight in a busy collision shop.Hammers and dolly blocks — independently position and work dented body panels back to approximate OEM contour using proper technique on standard passenger vehicles.MIG welding equipment and wrenches — fit and weld replacement panels or structural sections into place and grind welds smooth with confidence on common repair jobs.Paint sprayguns and motorized sanders — apply primer and finish coats to repaired surfaces, matching texture and sheen to adjacent panels in a climate-controlled paint booth.Alignment machines with hydraulic systems — chain or clamp moderately damaged frames and body sections to alignment equipment and operate hydraulic pressure controls to restore dimensions.Masking materials and surface prep supplies — complete full vehicle masking and sanding sequences efficiently, meeting shop cycle-time targets before paint application.Repaired vehicle inspection protocols — conduct post-repair visual and functional checks, verify dimensional accuracy, and assess paint appearance before returning vehicles to customers.Test-drive procedures — drive repaired vehicles on local roads to confirm proper wheel alignment, steering response, and overall handling after structural or mechanical repairs.Work order time estimates — manage personal task scheduling to complete assigned repairs within flat-rate time allowances, flagging delays to supervisors proactively.Scheduling and shop software — enter job status updates, labor times, and parts usage into shop management or point-of-sale systems used by the collision center.
proficient
Complex multi-panel repairs — plan and execute complete body restoration sequences, including metal work, filling, priming, and finish painting, autonomously across a wide range of vehicle makes and models.Non-routine structural damage assessment — diagnose hidden frame and unibody damage using measuring systems and visual analysis, determining the full repair scope without supervisor direction.Advanced welding techniques — select and apply appropriate weld types (MIG, spot, stitch) for structural and cosmetic panel replacement, ensuring welds meet OEM repair specifications.Color matching and blending — analyze and adjust paint formulas, spray technique, and blending methods to achieve seamless color and texture matches on challenging multi-stage finishes.Hydraulic frame straightening — configure alignment machine attachments, set pull vectors, and monitor hydraulic pressure sequences to restore complex frame damage to manufacturer tolerances.Comprehensive post-repair inspection — evaluate repaired vehicles against dimensional, mechanical, and cosmetic standards, identifying and correcting deficiencies before final delivery to the customer.Troubleshooting paint defects — identify root causes of paint adhesion failures, runs, or color mismatch and implement corrective refinishing procedures in a production environment.Customer communication — explain repair scope, process, and timeline clearly to vehicle owners, addressing technical questions using accessible language at the service counter.Quality control monitoring — apply systematic checks at each repair stage, catching errors early and ensuring completed work consistently meets industry and insurance quality benchmarks.Parts and damage documentation — produce accurate, detailed repair estimates and parts lists using estimating software, supporting insurance adjuster reviews and shop profitability goals.
advanced
Shop repair standards and workflows — develop and implement shop-wide repair procedures and quality benchmarks that elevate consistency and efficiency across all technician skill levels.Apprentice and junior technician mentorship — coach emerging and developing repairers in metalworking, welding, and paint techniques through structured demonstration and feedback on the shop floor.Complex insurance and total-loss negotiations — lead technical discussions with insurance adjusters, presenting documented damage assessments and repair justifications to secure appropriate claim settlements.Equipment investment and shop capability — evaluate, recommend, and oversee procurement of alignment machines, welding systems, and paint booths to keep the facility current with evolving vehicle technology.Cycle-time and throughput optimization — analyze shop production data using scheduling and management software to identify bottlenecks and redesign workflows that improve vehicle delivery times.Advanced vehicle technology adaptation — guide the shop's response to new materials (aluminum, ultra-high-strength steel, carbon fiber) by sourcing training and updating repair protocols accordingly.Organizational quality control program — design and lead a multi-point inspection regime that ensures every repaired vehicle meets safety, dimensional, and cosmetic standards before customer release.Team performance and accountability — set individual and team production targets, conduct performance reviews, and implement corrective coaching plans to maintain a high-performing repair department.Customer experience strategy — establish service communication standards and escalation procedures that resolve complaints professionally, protecting shop reputation and encouraging repeat business.Financial and inventory oversight — monitor parts inventory, control consumable costs, and review shop profitability metrics using business management software to sustain the operation's long-term viability.
Also known as
101 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Auto-Body Repairer, FiberglassMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman (Air Force 2T351)Body SpecialistFender RepairerMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Helper, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T311C)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Craftsman (Air Force 2T371)Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (Army 91B)Car CustomizerBody Shop EstimatorCollision Technician (Collision Tech)UH-60 Helicopter Repairer (Army 15T)Body Shop FloorpersonAutomotive Technician (Auto Tech)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Journeyman, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T351C)Body Shop PainterBody Technician (Body Tech)Automobile RepairerAuto RebuilderBody StraightenerCollision MechanicRepair TechnicianShop TechnicianMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Apprentice, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T331C)Tracked Vehicle Repairer (Army 91H)Automobile Body CustomizerAuto Body CustomizerMetal BumperBody SanderAuto Bumper StraightenerMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T311A)Auto Body Paint Prepper (Automotive Body Paint Prepper)Auto Body ManAutomobile Body RepairerMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Apprentice (Air Force 2T331)Collision Body Tech (Collision Body Technician)Auto Body Shop Tech (Automotive Body Shop Technician)Auto Body RepairerTruck Body BuilderAuto RefinisherAutomotive Body Technician (Auto Body Tech)