AUTO BODY TECHNICIAN SALARY, DUTIES, AND MORE

Accidents happen on the roads every day. This means there’s a need for trained collision repair technicians to help fix vehicles.

If this is a career path you’re considering, keep reading to find out more about a day in the life of an auto body technician — from their work environment to compensation and job duties.

What Is an Auto Body Technician?

How is an auto body technician defined? Also known as auto body mechanics, they have the skills to repair damaged vehicles using several techniques.

Collision repair technicians ensure vehicles look and drive like new. They need experience in a range of repair procedures and must be familiar with different parts and paint to be able to handle the different kinds of cases they encounter.

Auto Body Technician Job Description

What does the average day in the life of an auto body technician look like? While the work can vary, job duties often include:

• Reviewing damage reports to estimate repair costs.
• Grinding, filing and sanding repaired surfaces.
• Removing vehicle trim.
• Filling depressions with body filler.
• Utilizing equipment to restore metal frames and body sections.
• Welding parts into place.
• Applying new finishes and paint.
• Developing appropriate methods for each job.
• Returning vehicles to factory specifications.
• Inspecting work as a quality-control measure.
• Operating equipment according to safety standards and guidelines.

Collision repair technicians work in fast-paced environments where time management is essential. Adaptability and flexibility during the workday are crucial in this role.

Different settings that auto body technicians might work in include:

• Independent repair centers
• Franchised dealerships
• Fleet workshops
• Manufacturing facilities

Having an eye for detail and passion for making quality repairs can go a long way in the position. Also, being able to communicate effectively with customers about what repairs are needed is an important part of the job. Explore more of the different career paths collision repair technicians can pursue here.

Collision Repair Program Graduate Story

How To Become an Auto Body Technician

Getting hands-on training and practice working as an auto body technician can make a difference when looking for employment in the industry.¹ As technology advances, employers are looking for qualified individuals who are familiar with current repair procedures.

The Collision Repair and Refinish Technology (CRRT) program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) was developed with state-of-the-industry collision repair training standards, due in large part to our relationship with I-CAR. Students train with the equipment and tools used in collision repair centers across the country.

The CRRT program allows students to train on industry-leading brands used in the workforce, including:

• 3M
• Audatex
• Axalta
• CCC Information Services Inc.
• Chief Automotive Technologies

After graduation, students can also get recognition of their high level of training and receive I-CAR certifications for the following:

• Non-Structural Technician Level 1
• Steel Structural Technician Level 1
• Aluminum Structural Technician Level 1
• Estimating Level 1
• Refinish Technician Level 2

These certifications could help you stand out to potential employers. The CRRT program is designed to help prepare graduates for an entry-level position as an auto body mechanic.

Collision Repair Salary & Job Outlook

When thinking about becoming a collision repair technician, some of your top questions are likely to be about the average annual auto body tech salary and whether there’s a positive outlook for the field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (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.

Vehicle designs continue to increase in complexity, which means there is a need for technicians who are trained to repair them. And while accidents are an unfortunate constant on the roads, they do bring job stability for those in the industry.

Having skills and education can also help give you an advantage once you’re looking to advance in the field and pursue additional opportunities.⁶ The CRRT program at UTI can be a good place to start. There are many possibilities for those who are passionate and work hard!

Start Your Collision Repair Training at UTI

Two UTI campuses offer the CRRT program. Attend in either Long Beach, California, or Houston, Texas, to get the training you need for a career in collision repair in just 51 to 54 weeks. With frequent class start dates, you also have the flexibility to choose the time that’s right for you.

Visit our program page to get your questions answered and start taking steps toward a career!