Automotive Body Repairer
PrintWork Tasks
AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIRERS repair the body sections of vehicles that have been damaged in accidents. They straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumpled parts that are beyond repair. They align damaged frames and other parts. They remove damaged sections of body panels and weld in replacement sections. They push out the less serious dents with hydraulic jacks or knock them out with hand-tools. They use plastic or solder to fill small dents, grind the hardened filler to the original shape, and then sand before painting.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $39,000 average per year ($18.75 per hour)
- A medium occupation (143,800 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow slowly (0.1% per year)
Entry Requirements
Most employers prefer to hire AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIRERS who have completed formal training programs in automotive body repair. High schools, vocational schools, private trade schools, and community colleges offer these programs. Employers who hire persons without formal training prefer high school graduates who know how to use hand-tools. Experienced workers train new employees. Skill in all aspects of body repair takes about 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training.