Auto Body Repair Career Outlook
The auto body repair industry is a growing field, with a projected job growth of 6% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing number of vehicles on the road, as well as the growing popularity of collision repair and restoration services.
Job Duties
Auto body repair technicians perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Inspecting damaged vehicles and assessing the extent of the damage
- Repairing or replacing damaged body panels, frames, and other components
- Painting and refinishing vehicles
- Maintaining and servicing auto body repair equipment
Education and Training
Most auto body repair technicians receive their training through vocational schools or community colleges. These programs typically take two years to complete and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the auto body repair industry.
Some auto body repair technicians also choose to pursue additional training through apprenticeship programs. These programs typically last four years and provide students with the opportunity to work under the supervision of experienced auto body repair technicians.
Experience
Entry-level auto body repair technicians typically have one to two years of experience working in the field. As they gain experience, they may be promoted to lead technician or supervisor positions.
Salary
The median annual salary for auto body repair technicians was $48,100 in May 2021.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for auto body repair technicians is expected to be good over the next few years. The increasing number of vehicles on the road, as well as the growing popularity of collision repair and restoration services, are expected to drive demand for these workers.
Conclusion
Auto body repair is a growing field that offers good job prospects for qualified workers. Those who are interested in a career in this field should have a strong interest in working with their hands and a desire to learn new skills.