Automotive Body Repairer
An Automotive Body Repairer is a skilled professional who specializes in repairing and restoring damaged automobile bodies and associated parts. Their primary responsibilities include assessing damage, removing and replacing parts, and performing cosmetic and structural modifications to vehicles, often following accidents. This role requires a detail-oriented mindset and problem-solving abilities, as well as proficiency with various tools including welding equipment and painting systems.
Typically working in body shops or service bays, automotive body repairers may engage with customers to manage repair processes and provide estimates. The job often involves extensive on-the-job training, although some may pursue vocational education or certification programs. The work environment can be physically demanding and includes exposure to noise, vibration, and hazardous materials, necessitating the use of protective gear.
The earning potential is moderate, with a median annual salary around $48,450, and the job outlook indicates little change in employment opportunities. Individuals attracted to this field are often automotive enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on work and have a solid understanding of mechanical processes.
Automotive Body Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Automobiles, mechanical processes, using tools, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Median): $48,450 per year $23.29 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent; training and industry certification
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Extensive long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Automotive body repairers work on damaged automobile bodies and their associated parts. They are responsible for restoring auto bodies damaged in accidents and making cosmetic and structural modifications to vehicles. Automotive body repairers remove and replace damaged parts and sand, paint, and install auto parts.
Work Environment. Automotive body repairers work in body shops of all sizes. Some work in facilities devoted exclusively to bodywork, while others work in large, multiuse facilities or in service bays of automotive dealerships. Automotive body repairers often work forty hours or more per week and are paid overtime if additional work is required.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of automotive body repairer tend to be automotive enthusiasts who are attracted to detail-oriented work and enjoy problem-solving and mechanical processes. They must be able to use a wide variety of tools, including welding equipment and structural repair systems. Those interested in automotive body repair should have the ability to anticipate problems that may not be immediately visible.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily duties of an automotive body repairer include inspecting and assessing automobiles to determine the extent of damage and the cost of repair. Depending on the size and structure of the facility where they work, an automotive body repairer may interact directly with customers and manage the repair process from initial estimate to completion. Other automotive body repairers work on only one stage of the repair process. Some automotive body repairers specialize in painting, frame repair, or welding, while others complete all of these tasks.
After determining the extent of the damage, automotive body repairers interact with customers and supervisors to schedule repair work. After developing repair plans, they may write estimates and research the availability and cost of replacement parts. Preparing an automobile for repair work often involves taping body elements such as bumpers and trim and protecting the vehicle’s glass. In some cases, interior elements such as seating and dashboard components may be removed. Damaged body elements may be removed with specialized cutters and grinders, and new elements welded into place.
To repair dents or other damage, automotive body repairers use a wide range of tools and techniques. Some dents are repaired using special hydraulic machines. Automotive body repairers may fill rough or uneven surfaces with bonding compounds before sanding, priming, and painting them. Paint is typically applied using spray guns, but automotive body repairers may paint some body elements by hand. They use specialized power and hand tools to ensure that all auto body surfaces are smooth and even. In some cases, automotive body repairers are responsible for filling out completion paperwork and invoices.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Nearly all automotive body repair work takes place in indoor garages or repair facilities, though the size of the work area can vary. Some facilities are kept at controlled temperatures to decrease the drying time for new coats of paint. Bodywork is performed alongside other automotive repairs, and work areas may be small and cramped. As contaminants such as particulates, gasoline, and oil are common in garage environments, automotive body repairers must often wear protective clothing, eyewear, and masks to reduce exposure.
Human Environment. Although automotive body repairers work independently much of the time, they typically work in close proximity to other repairers. Noise and vibration can sometimes make communication difficult, but automotive body repairers often discuss projects with colleagues and may, at times, collaborate to ensure that repairs are carried out in a timely and efficient manner.
Technological Environment. Automotive body repairers must be able to use a variety of specialized tools, from pneumatic and hydraulic drills and lifts to specialized painting and sanding equipment, which is often computer-controlled. Some large body shops and car dealerships require automotive body repairers to use analytical computer programs that measure collision damage and track repair progress. Automotive body repairers may use the Internet to search for solutions to problems or order parts.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Students interested in the field of automotive body repair should take courses in mathematics and mechanics. Drafting skills are also useful. Automotive body repair and maintenance classes are offered at many vocational and technical high schools.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is not necessarily required, but many automotive body repairers learn the trade at technical schools or through certification programs. These programs generally last up to a year, and most include an apprenticeship and practical study in an automotive body shop. Although online courses are available, aspiring automotive body repairers benefit from hands-on training in skills such as welding and painting.
Related Occupations
− Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
− Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics
− Painting/Coating Machine Operator
Bibliography
"Automotive Body and Glass Repairers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 49-3021 Automotive Body and Related Repairers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493021.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.