What is a Collision Estimator? Job Description, Salary & More

One of the perks of pursuing a career in the collision industry is the wide variety of paths you can take. Accidents happen on our roadways every day, and collision repair professionals are the ones we rely on to get our vehicles back up and running. From refinish technicians to electrical technicians, there are many different roles a collision repair technician can step into.

After completing your collision repair training, one of the careers that may be available to you is becoming a collision estimator. If you have great customer service skills and are looking for a job where no two days are alike, this could be the career for you. Keep reading to learn all about the career of a collision estimator, including job responsibilities, common work environments, how to become one and more.

Key points:

- The collision industry offers a wide variety of career paths, including roles such as refinish technicians, electrical technicians and collision estimators. This diversity is due to the constant demand for vehicle repair services following accidents.

- Collision estimators play a crucial role in the repair process by acting as liaisons between customers, insurance companies and parts vendors. They assess vehicle damage, provide repair estimates and ensure the repair process is smooth and efficient. Strong customer service and empathy are essential skills for this role.

- Collision estimators can work in various settings, including automotive dealerships, large independent body shops, insurance companies and as independent adjusters. The demand for skilled estimators contributes to job stability and good income potential with opportunities for salary and commission.

- Successful collision estimators possess strong communication, multitasking, time management, critical thinking and record-keeping skills. Specialized training, such as the Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program offered by UTI, can provide the necessary hands-on experience and I-CAR certifications to prepare for this career.¹

- Starting as a collision estimator can put you on a path toward further career advancement within the industry. Estimators with exceptional skills and work ethic may progress to management positions, such as assistant manager or shop manager, highlighting the career's promising trajectory and the ongoing need for skilled estimators in the automotive repair industry.^5.1

What Is a Collision Estimator?

Collision estimators, also known as auto body estimators, lead customers through the process of getting their vehicle repaired after an accident. They act as the liaison between the customer, insurance company and parts vendors to ensure the repair process goes smoothly and is completed correctly.

When someone takes their car in for a repair after an accident, a collision estimator is often the first person they will meet. The estimator will analyze the car, talk through the damage with the customer and will differentiate between the damage done to the car in the accident and prior condition of the vehicle.

A good estimator acknowledges that when customers come in with their damaged vehicle, it’s one of their worst days. This requires estimators to have empathy and strong communication skills as they work with the customer one-on-one to get them through a tough situation. It’s their role to be the voice of the company and demonstrate exceptional customer service skills every step of the way.

Auto Body Estimator vs. Auto Damage Appraisers

Auto body estimators and auto damage appraisers both play vital roles in the automotive repair industry, but their functions and focuses differ significantly.

 Auto body estimators primarily work within repair shops, where they evaluate the extent of vehicle damage, estimate the cost of repairs and prepare detailed quotes for customers. Their role involves close interaction with technicians to understand the repair process and ensure all necessary parts and labor are accounted for.

On the other hand, auto damage appraisers typically work for insurance companies or independent appraisal firms. They assess vehicle damage after accidents to determine the cost that should be covered by insurance. Appraisers must maintain impartiality and adhere to insurance guidelines, often working in the field to inspect vehicles at various locations.

While estimators focus on providing accurate repair costs to facilitate customer repairs, appraisers concentrate on fair and accurate damage assessment to process insurance claims effectively.

Collision estimator job description

Some duties of a collision estimator include:

• Inspect vehicles for damages and evaluate using visual inspection, mechanical testing devices, road tests and information provided by the customer
• Evaluate the necessity and cost of repairs
• Collect insurance estimates after reviewing damage
• Meet with customers to discuss damages, repair process and timeline and costs
• Create accurate estimates that detail repair and labor costs
• Place work orders detailing part replacements and repairs and enter information into the work management system
• Maintain communication with customers and answer questions throughout the repair process
• Keep record of repair details and complete necessary paperwork
• Effectively manage multiple repairs simultaneously
• Implement an effective quality check process by inspecting repaired vehicles and ensuring the repair is up to standard
• Complete final paperwork and payment with the customer
• Provide exceptional customer service and create ongoing relationships with customers

Where do collision estimators work?

Collision estimators can work in a variety of environments. While their basic responsibilities may remain the same, their day-to-day tasks will vary slightly depending on their specific role. Several settings estimators work in include:

• Automotive dealerships: In the dealership setting, estimators typically have a small office where they will meet with customers to discuss the vehicle damage and details of the accident.
• Large independent body shops: Multiple shop operators (MSO’s), such as Service King and Caliber Collision, are another common place estimators work. This role is similar to that of an estimator in a dealership, yet in a body shop setting.
• Insurance companies: Estimators can work for insurance companies, such as Geico and Nationwide. Sometimes, insurance companies will have a satellite station in a body shop that estimators will work from.
• Independent adjuster: Auto claims adjusters often work for insurance companies and will spend their days inspecting damaged vehicles and working with clients regarding settlements. This may require them to travel to the site of the vehicle, where they can assess the damage and determine how much the insurance company should pay the customer for the cost of the repair.

Benefits & Challenges of Being a Collision Estimator

As with most careers, there are benefits and challenges that come with being a collision estimator. When it comes to benefits, estimators have good income potential. They typically receive a salary and may earn an additional commission based on their sales.

One of the challenging aspects of this career is how fast paced it can be. Estimators are required to balance 10 to 15 repairs at a time, sometimes more, and must ensure they’re meeting the needs of each customer.

According to David Sydnor, education manager for the Collision Repair program at UTI, this career can be challenging for those who don’t have the skills required to keep up with this type of work. “It takes a special person, but if you’re that special person, you can potentially make a very good career as an estimator,” he shares.

Collision estimator salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a great resource for getting an idea of your earning potential in a role. While there is no information specific to collision estimators, you can use the data the BLS supplies collision repair technicians to get an idea of what your salary could be.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive body and related repairers in the United States was $48,740 in May 2023.²⁸ This means half of collision repair technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

What Are the Skills Needed To Become a Collision Estimator?

Collision estimators often share a similar set of skills that make them successful in their work. These include:

• Communication & interpersonal skills: As an estimator, you are constantly working with people. Your customers will come from all different backgrounds and walks of life, and part of your job will be to build relationships with them and earn their trust. This requires strong communication skills and a desire to go above and beyond for your customers.
• Ability to multitask: Estimators have to balance multiple repairs at once. They must be able to keep track of where each repair is at in the process and ensure they’re providing the best experience possible for the customer.
• Good time management: Collision estimators keep a busy schedule. On any given day, you may have to meet with customers, put together an estimate and inspect a vehicle that was brought in for damage. Prioritizing tasks and managing your time well is essential to ensure each repair is moving through the process smoothly.
• Critical thinking skills: No two crashes are the same. With every repair, estimators have to think critically and adjust their approach to find a solution. The work of an estimator is never mundane—there are always new challenges and opportunities to work on different types of projects.
• Record-keeping skills: Documentation is one of the core responsibilities of an estimator. From the first meeting with a customer to the final delivery of the repaired vehicle, estimators must keep a record of important details. This ensures that everyone involved in the repair, such as the technicians working on the vehicle and parts provider, are in the loop and know what needs to be done. It’s also the responsibility of the estimator to keep this documentation organized in case it ever needs to be referred to in the future.

How To Become a Collision Estimator

Collision estimators are some of the most versatile professionals in the automotive industry. In addition to having an automotive background that allows them to perform inspections, they must know the pricing of parts to put together their estimates. They must also have great interpersonal skills, as they communicate with their customers directly on a day-to-day basis.

So how do you become a collision estimator? Companies look for different things when hiring estimators, but according to David, having a strong automotive background is key. “The best way to get into estimating is to take a collision repair program so you know about vehicle construction and all of the different principles,” he shares.

Taking a specialized program, such as UTI’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program, can provide you with the hands-on training needed to prepare for a career as an entry-level estimator. Developed in conjunction with I-CAR, the provider of collision repair training standards as defined by the industry, UTI’s curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills needed to reshape and restore a wide range of vehicles.

UTI students train with the tools, equipment and technology used in collision centers across the country. They learn valuable skills such as how to manipulate and shape metal using specialist custom equipment, how to repair plastic or composite materials using nitrogen welding equipment and more. Graduates also have the opportunity to earn valuable I-CAR certifications, which can increase their appeal to prospective employers.

In the program, students learn to write and read estimates just like they would in the industry. The principles they learn will complement their career as an estimator, such as knowing how damage moves through a vehicle.

Students can also take an estimating elective to gain specialized knowledge that gives them a leg up if this is the career they want to pursue. In addition to showing initiative to employers, this elective can decrease the amount of on-the-job training the student will need.

“Students will have a good foundation in estimating and the office and management side so they can hit the ground running fast,” David shares. “They will need less training from the company they’re hired with, so they can achieve things faster and make the company money quicker.”

What’s the career trajectory of a collision estimator?

One of the exciting things about becoming a collision estimator is the possibility to advance in the workplace. “Becoming a collision estimator is often seen as a stairstep into management,” David shares.

When a shop is looking for managers, they often look internally and will promote their estimators. The estimators who go above and beyond in their work are typically the ones who shine and are chosen for these positions. A skilled estimator may advance to assistant manager and move their way up into a shop manager role before they know it!^5.1

Career development opportunities for collision estimators

As collision estimators gain experience, they can pursue certifications such as the I-CAR Platinum Estimator designation or the ASE Master Collision Repair Technician certification, which not only enhances their credibility but may also open doors to advanced roles.

Potential career paths include transitioning to senior estimator positions, becoming a shop manager, or even moving into roles within insurance companies as auto damage appraisers. Skills in advanced damage assessment, customer service and familiarity with the latest estimating software can significantly bolster their career prospects.^5.1

Continued education in new automotive technologies and repair techniques ensures that collision estimators remain competitive and can adapt to industry innovations.

The Industry Needs Estimators

All in all, a career as a collision estimator may be a fantastic choice for someone who is passionate about the automotive industry and loves working with people. This career isn’t going away anytime soon, and as the demand rises, so will the need for those skilled in the trade.

“The wrecking of cars is never going to go away, and there has to be someone there to greet those customers and give them excellent service and execute the repair process from start to finish,” David shares.

Prepare for a Career in Collision Repair

Does a career in collision repair sound like the right fit for you? UTI’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program can provide you with the hands-on training you need to pursue a career in the industry.

To learn more, visit our program page and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.