Car Body Technician
Overview
Car body technicians, also known as auto body repairers, are responsible for repairing and refinishing damaged vehicle bodies. They work on a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Car body technicians use a variety of tools and equipment to repair and refinish vehicle bodies, including hammers, welding equipment, and paint sprayers.
Job Duties
Car body technicians typically perform the following job duties:
* Repair and replace damaged body panels, such as fenders, hoods, and doors
* Weld and fabricate metal parts
* Remove and install trim, moldings, and other body components
* Paint and refinish vehicle bodies
* Perform rust repairs
* Detail and clean vehicles
Education and Training
Car body technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a post-secondary program in auto body repair. There are many different types of auto body repair programs available, ranging from certificate programs to associate’s degrees.
Certifications
Many car body technicians choose to become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certification demonstrates a technician’s knowledge and skills in a particular area of automotive repair. Car body technicians can earn ASE certification in a variety of areas, including:
* Collision Repair
* Painting and Refinishing
* Structural Analysis and Damage Repair
Career Outlook
The job outlook for car body technicians is expected to be good over the next few years. The increasing number of vehicles on the road is expected to lead to a growing demand for car body repair services.
Salary
The median annual salary for car body technicians was $48,530 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,170.
Work Environment
Car body technicians typically work in a shop environment. They may work on a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Car body technicians may be exposed to fumes, dust, and other hazards. They may also have to work in awkward positions.
Personal Qualities
Successful car body technicians typically have the following personal qualities:
* Attention to detail
* Good hand-eye coordination
* Mechanical ability
* Problem-solving skills
* Teamwork skills
If you are interested in a career as a car body technician, you can find more information on the following websites:
* National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE): https://www.ase.com/
* Automotive Service Association (ASA): https://www.asashop.org/
* Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS): https://www.scrs.com/
