Bureau of Labor Statistics: Car Body Repair

Overview

Car body repairers, also known as auto body repairers, fix and refinish damaged vehicles. They use a variety of tools and techniques to repair dents, scratches, and other damage to the body of a vehicle. Car body repairers may also replace damaged parts, such as fenders, bumpers, and hoods.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data on the number of car body repairers employed in the United States, as well as their median salary and job outlook.

Employment

According to the BLS, there were 212,500 car body repairers employed in the United States in May 2021. The majority of car body repairers work in the automotive repair and maintenance industry, but they may also be employed in other industries, such as manufacturing and transportation.

Median Salary

The median annual salary for car body repairers was $50,290 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent of car body repairers earned less than $30,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,730.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects that the employment of car body repairers will grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the increasing complexity of vehicle repair.

Education and Training

Most car body repairers learn their trade through a combination of formal education and on-the-job training. Some car body repairers complete a formal apprenticeship program, which typically takes three to four years to complete. Apprentices learn the basics of car body repair, as well as how to use specialized tools and equipment.

Other car body repairers learn their trade through on-the-job training. They may start out as an assistant to a more experienced car body repairer, and gradually learn the skills needed to perform the job.

Job Duties

Car body repairers perform a variety of tasks, including:

Inspecting damaged vehicles to assess the extent of the damage
Repairing dents, scratches, and other damage to the body of a vehicle
Replacing damaged parts, such as fenders, bumpers, and hoods
Refinishing the exterior of a vehicle
Working with customers to discuss the repairs and estimate the cost

Work Environment

Car body repairers typically work in a shop environment. They may be exposed to fumes, dust, and other hazards. Car body repairers may also work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Some occupations that are related to car body repair include: