Auto Body Technician

Salary Range	Jobs Available
$32,300 - $76,400	16,100+

Auto Body Technician Career Path & Training

Q: How long does it take to become an auto body technician?

A certificate typically takes a year. An associate degree from a community college or technical school takes two years. Other combinations of education and experience may vary. For example, an entry-level auto body technician could start working right away through an apprenticeship and work his or her way up to certification.

Q: What is it like to do this job?

Brandon McCoy offered his take on the job below, and here’s a video about an auto body tech in Alberta, Canada, that covers different aspects of the career. (Some of her descriptions are specific to her work, but many are universal.)

Q: What skills and qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?

Successful auto body techs tend to share these traits: Dexterity to work with small parts and in small spacesEnjoy working with a wide range of tools and equipmentGood at interacting with customersGood attention to detailBasic math skillsGood time-management skillsPhysically fit

A skilled auto body technician can wipe away the visual reminder of a fender bender.

What does an auto body technician do?

Technicians repair the bodies of motor vehicles, and they go by several names, including auto body mechanic, auto body specialist, auto body tech, body shop technician and collision repair technician.

Auto body technician job description

They carry out a range of repairs, from hammering out minor dents to windshield replacement to complete rebuilds and paint jobs. When not repairing collision damage, technicians work on body customization or minor repairs, such as buffing out scratches or refurbishing corrosion damage.

Auto body technicians are needed in auto body repair shops at dealerships, independent repair centers or fleet workshops. With enough time, training and knowledge, auto repair techs can go on to start their own businesses.

This is a job that puts you in direct contact with customers, so communication skills are important. If you are creative, detail-oriented and work well with others, this could be a good career. Keep reading to learn more.

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Auto body technician uses a grinder to repair a vehicle

An auto body technician’s goal is to bring a car back to pre-accident condition. That often includes removing dents and replacing parts. (Credit: Bhakpong/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

From handling customer communications to repairing cars from front to back, auto body repair technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Work directly with customers to discuss what needs to be fixed
Prepare damage reports and cost estimates
Replace damaged body parts, including bumpers, fenders, hoods and trim
Realign car frames and repair structural damage
Pound out or patch dents and other minor body damage
Fit, attach and weld replacement parts into place
May also prep and paint vehicle surfaces
Follow safety regulations

How To Become an Auto Body Technician: FAQs

What training do I need?

You will need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to become an entry-level auto body technician. Education requirements vary by employer. Most jobs require a technical school certificate, and some require an associate degree in automotive technology.

Trade and technical school programs combine classroom time on the basics of auto body repair with an internship that provides hands-on training. Some dealerships and independent businesses offer apprenticeships for entry-level auto body technicians who are paired with a mentor to learn the trade.

Students who take any of these paths must pass a series of exams to be certified to practice their trade.

Are there any additional qualifications?

Industry certification matters in this field. Certifications are available for various auto repair specialties through the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), which also certifies auto body shops.

Certifications prove expertise, allow you to specialize and open the door for advancement. Most auto body tech certifications are renewed every five years.

You’ll also need a valid driver’s license.

How long does it take to become an auto body technician?

What is it like to do this job?

What skills and qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?

The bottom line:

This career checks all the boxes: It's a job that pays well, can hold your interest, offers potential for growth and doesn't require years of classroom time. It's also an opportunity to work in a team environment or to work toward opening your own business. If you like learning new things, are detail-oriented and are good with your hands, you can take an auto body technician job in many directions. Plus, it’s a job where you can start earning quickly, even as you’re learning the trade.

Brandon McCoy, auto body technician, works on improving the roof of a car

Why I like being an auto body tech

Brandon McCoy isn't afraid of hard work. He knows that's what it takes to deliver a quality auto restoration.

"It's a lot of work but is so worth it when a customer comes in and is beside themselves because their car is turning out better than they imagined," he says.

Running his own business requires a lot of juggling — between doing the repair work, delivering good customer service and taking care of behind-the-scenes details — but he says it's very satisfying.

Find out what else Brandon has to say about being an auto body technician and a body shop owner.