Auto Body Repairer: Job Description, Salary, Duties & More (2024)

The Ultimate Resource for Auto Body Repairers

If you have a keen interest in restoring and repairing damaged cars, then you could make it your career.

As an auto body repairer, you would be able to work on all kinds of damaged vehicles.

You’d have something new to fix every day, which keeps you learning and excited about the experience.

If working with your hands to restore a massive variety of cars and get paid sounds fun, then review the information provided to see how you become an auto body repairer.

Auto Body Repairer Information Table

Official Job Title	Auto Body Repairer
Average Salary	$47,270
Stress Level	Low
Work / Life Balance	Good
Job Satisfaction	Low
Career Advancement	Average

Auto Body Repairer Job Description

What Is An Auto Body Repairer?

An auto body repairer takes on the task of repairing damaged vehicles with the hope of returning cars to new ones without any trace of damage.

The damage they repair could be anything from a cracked windshield or scratch on the door to a complete collision repair.

They will use various tools and techniques to replace and repair almost everything cosmetic on the car’s body.

They would not be responsible for the vehicle’s internal components, such as the engine or transmission.

What Does An Auto Body Repairer Do On A Daily Basis?

Create damage reports, work plans, and cost estimate reports for customers.
Remove damaged car components for replacement or repair.
Realign car frames or chassis and repair structural damage.
Repair dents and other minor cosmetic damage.
Fit and attach replacement parts onto the structure.
Install new glass for windows and windshields.
Grind and buff repaired surfaces.
Apply finish and paint to restored components.

Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of An Auto Body Repairer

Create reports on the damaged vehicles.
Repair and replace damaged components on the vehicle.
Hammer out defects in the vehicle body.
Solder or fill holes, dents, or seams.
Bolt or weld replacement parts onto the vehicle.
Straighten bent frames on vehicles.
Grind and sand repaired surfaces.
Mask and tape body for painting.
Mix and blend paint to match the original color.
Repaint surfaces using spray guns.
Replace glass components such as windows and windshields.
Repair and replace interior components of vehicles.
Inspect and test repaired vehicles.

Auto Body Repairer Salary

Average Salary

The average salary for an auto body repairer is $47,270 / year.

However, there are significant differences in average wage across the US.

So check into your state to get a better idea.

Starting Salary

The average starting salary for an auto body repairer is $39,679 per year.

Ensure you check into local wages to understand if you’re being paid a fair wage.

Senior Salary

As a senior auto body repairer, you can expect to be paid around $55,363 per year.

However, you can make more if you’re exceptionally skilled and work on higher-end cars.

How to Become an Auto Body Repairer

The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree

You require no specific degree to get started as an auto body repairer.

If you’ve been working on cars and have skills in repairing them, you may be able to get a job right now.

Many auto body repairers have a high school diploma.

However, having a diploma in automotive mechanics may help you land a job with larger or more professional auto body repair shops.

There are also auto body repair courses to jumpstart your training and bring your skills up to a professional level.

Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications

You can take various courses and training for specific auto body repair requirements.

However, none are required or often needed if you train on the job.

Your employer may also put you through training, such as the gold class training, which shows you keep your skills up to a certain level every year.

How Long Does It Take To Become An Auto Body Repairer?

Suppose you take a training course in auto body repair or automatic mechanics.

In that case, you could complete the course within one year and then be looking for a job straight away.

If you opt not to take the training, a company may take you on as an apprentice for 1-2 years.

Is It Hard To Become An Auto Body Repairer?

The difficulty level depends on your skills and aptitude for the job.

For example, if you’ve been interested in cars and repairing them, it should be easy for you.

But, on the other hand, if you’ve never repaired or done anything with cars, it could prove challenging to learn everything required quickly.

So consider if this is a passion of yours or just something you think might make you money.

Auto Body Repairer Career Paths

The Auto Body Repairer Roadmap

An auto body repairer will often stay in a similar position, earning more money and responsibilities as their career progresses.

In some situations, you may move into management or start your auto body repair business.

This opportunity is more likely to happen if you have a two or four-year degree, which is sort after in management positions.

Auto body repairers may move into similar positions for specialized equipment, such as military vehicle repair, heavy vehicle repair, or aircraft maintenance.

Projections For Growth In Auto Body Repairer Jobs

Auto body repairer jobs are expected to see a 3% growth through 2031, the average for most jobs that are seeing growth in the US.

In Summary: Is Auto Body Repairer A Good Career?

If you love working with your hands and fixing damaged vehicles, this could be a gratifying career.

The money is good, and the variety of vehicles you work on is unlimited.

The bonus is that with enough experience, you can turn this into your own business and work for yourself or take your skills anywhere in the world.

No matter where you are, people will need auto body repairers.

Auto Body Repairer Working Conditions

Can An Auto Body Repairer Work Remotely From Home?

If you are working for somebody else, you cannot work remotely, but if you work for yourself, then absolutely.

Have damaged cars towed to your home and work on them there.

The only requirement is that you and the damaged car be in the same location.

How Many Hours Does A Auto Body Repairer Work?

Auto body repairers work a standard day of 9 – 5, 40 hours a week.

You wouldn’t be required to work overtime, and your company wouldn’t call you after hours.

Can An Auto Body Repairer Work Part-Time?

Yes, if your employer allows it, you could easily work part-time.

While there are time requirements for fixing the cars, there should be no problem if you can get it done with fewer hours or days in your working week, there should be no problem.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of An Auto Body Repairer?

Auto body repairers would receive standard vacation days, around ten days per year, with statutory holidays added on.

You would be unlikely to get more than the standard.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to an Auto Body Repairer

Auto Body Repairer Resume Tips

To put your best foot forward on your resume to become an auto body repairer, you should look to emphasize any training you’ve done.

You should also show any experience with vehicle repair, either professionally or on your own time.

If you have them to put your resume, key skills would be excellent manual dexterity, customer service skills, and the ability to understand technical manuals, estimate costs, and solve problems.

Auto Body Repairer Interview Questions

When being interviewed, you should prepare answers for common questions or understand what questions your potential employer may ask you.

A few examples are below.

Q1: What type of repairs would you refuse to complete?

Why it works: This shows an understanding of safety protocols and codes in auto body repair.

You should not repair or modify everything, and it may not even be ethical.

Q2: What would you do if a customer demanded you complete a repair too quickly?

Why it works: This shows your ability to solve problems and handle customers simultaneously.

A large part of the job is discussing repairs and setting customer expectations.

Jobs Related to Auto Body Repairers

Aircraft mechanics
Automotive service technicians
Claims adjusters
Diesel service technicians
Glaziers
Heavy vehicle service technicians
Mechanics

For HR Managers: Tips for Hiring an Auto Body Repairer

Key Characteristics To Look For In An Auto Body Repairer

When hiring a new auto body repairer, some key characteristics will hopefully get you the right candidate for the role.

Excellent communication skills. Employees must discuss issues and requirements with customers and work with coworkers to complete the job.
Detail orientated. They must ensure everything is perfect before returning the vehicle to the customer. Otherwise, it may be returned, costing time and money.
Passionate about vehicles. Having a passion for the job is essential. You want somebody that enjoys the work so that they do the best job possible.

Minimum Level Of Education & Experience

While there is no minimum education requirement, having somebody with a diploma in auto body repair or a similar field would be ideal.

Professional experience isn’t specifically required, but previous personal experience with auto body repair would be ideal.