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Autobody Technician
Successful Autobody Technicians are craftsmen who enjoy working with their hands and have an eye for color, detail, and dimension. Their work ranges from repairing minor damage like a dent or scrape to replacing complex parts after a major collision in order to restore a vehicle to like-new condition.
While every repair is different, your work as an Autobody Technician always begins with assessing the damage and deciding what to repair or replace. Then, using technical manuals and your knowledge of vehicle construction along with specialized tools and repair techniques, you straighten components, replace parts, and restore vehicle bodies to their original specification.
New technicians usually begin by assisting those who are experienced and then progress to more complex and difficult tasks. Becoming skilled in all aspects of body repair usually takes 3 to 4 years of training and know-how. Experienced technicians may work alone with minimal supervision, while others work as part of a repair team. Some specialize in one type of vehicle, such as cars, while others work on everything from small cars to large trucks.
Career Facts
- The average hourly wage is $19.21 — about $39,950 annually. Employers often guarantee a minimum weekly salary and pay an incentive based on the amount of work assigned and how quickly it is completed.
- Typically Autobody Technicians work 40 hours a week, but sometimes may be required to work overtime, including weekends.
- Continuing education is important to stay current with technological advances in automotive materials, components, and electronics.
- Skilled Autobody Technicians must have good reading abilities and comprehension along with basic mathematics, chemistry, geometry, physics, and computer skills.
Programs
- Certificate
- Associate
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