Car Body Repair Careers

Car body repair is a skilled trade that involves repairing and restoring damaged vehicle bodies. Car body repairers use a variety of tools and techniques to repair dents, scratches, and other damage to vehicles. They may also work on custom projects, such as creating custom body kits or restoring classic cars.

Education and Training

Most car body repairers complete a formal training program at a trade school or community college. These programs typically last for one to two years and cover a variety of topics, including:

Vehicle anatomy and construction
Metalworking and welding
Painting and refinishing
Collision repair techniques

In addition to formal training, car body repairers may also gain experience by working as an apprentice under a more experienced technician. Apprenticeships typically last for several years and provide hands-on experience in all aspects of car body repair.

Skills and Abilities

Successful car body repairers have a number of skills and abilities, including:

Strong attention to detail
Good hand-eye coordination
Mechanical aptitude
Problem-solving skills
Customer service skills

Work Environment

Car body repairers typically work in a shop environment. They may be exposed to fumes, dust, and noise. They may also work in awkward positions for extended periods of time.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for car body repairers is expected to be good over the next few years. As the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, so too will the demand for qualified car body repairers. However, competition for jobs may be fierce in some areas.

Salary

The salary for car body repairers varies depending on their experience, location, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for automotive body and related repairers was $48,880 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $32,770, and the highest 10 percent of earners made more than $76,120.

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