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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Automotive Body and Related Repairers
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Median pay

$51,680
Median annual pay for Automotive Body and Related Repairers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

14,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

172,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Automotive Body and Related Repairers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Production and Processing
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Transportation

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Visualization
  4. 4Finger Dexterity
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Contaminants
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Time Pressure
  5. 5Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative tasks

  • File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
  • Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
  • Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
  • Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
  • Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
  • Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
  • Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
  • Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAccounts receivable softwareAppointment scheduling softwareAutomotive and Accounting Software by R*KOM Invoice WriterAutoZone ALLDATACollision damage estimation softwareCollision damage measurement softwareEquipment management information software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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