Service

Auto Body Repair Technician

Love shiny, glossy perfection? Fixing dents and auto-bodies can be a rewarding, flexible career buffing out dings and dents!

Repair and refinish damaged vehicle bodies and frames. Straighten bent frames, replace panels, sand, prime, and paint surfaces.

Salary Range

$35,000 – $65,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$45,350

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth

2024–2034 projected

Browse Auto Body Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

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.
Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
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.
Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.

Tools of the Trade

Trim or molding toolsPullersPneumatic hammerPower buffersShearsMetal cuttersRivet toolsHammersBlow torchWheel alignment equipmentPressure indicatorsWelding masksPressure or steam cleanersSpot welding machinePneumatic sanding machinesProtective hoodWelding electrodeWorkshop cranesDial indicator or dial gaugeMill saw fileKnife bladesPaint application systemStencils or lettering aidsDrill press or radial drillWelding or cutting tipCalipersWelder torchRazor knivesManual press brakeJacksWelding or soldering kitUtility knivesSoldering ironS hooksSocket setsSquaresInfrared lampsProtective glovesPitch measuring instrumentsLiftsPower grindersGogglesStamping dies or punchesRaspsPunches or nail sets or driftsFluorescent lampsPneumatic pressTelescoping gaugeTungsten inert gas welding machineGas welding or brazing or cutting apparatusWire brushesHeat gunsMetal inert gas welding machinePower sandersPaint sprayersWelding generatorPower sawsSpatulasChisel bitDepth gaugesMicrometersAir compressorsScrewdriversCold chiselsGrease gunsPneumatic grindersRatchetsSuction cupsRespiratorsPry barsHoistsNut driversSafety glassesAnvilsPower drillsSanding blocksImpact wrenchesDigital camerasWedgesHeight gaugesLaser printersAdjustable widemouth pliersDesktop computersAdjustable wrenchesFeeler gaugesPersonal computers

Knowledge Areas

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 65/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 56/100

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 53/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 50/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 49/100

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. 49/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 44/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 39/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 38/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 37/100