Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
SOC: 49-3021 O*NET: 49-3021.00
Median Salary
$54,890
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
12.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
What does a Automotive Body and Related Repairers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$36,910
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,750
25th percentile
Median
$54,890
50th percentile
Experienced
$69,200
75th percentile
Top Earners
$87,940
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,910
25th
$45,750
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$54,890
Mean: $59,690
75th
$69,200
90th
$87,940
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $51,030 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,750 and $69,200
- •Salary spread is 42.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 149,310 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:163,200
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)73.4%
Repair and Maintenance73.4%
Automotive Repair and Maintenance73.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.7%
Annual Openings:12,600
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)163,200
Current
2035 (Projected)169,300
+3.7%
+6,100
Employment Change
+3.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Automotive Body and Related Repairers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
14,070 jobs$51,7001.04x
California
14,050 jobs$66,8600.80x
Florida
9,220 jobs$48,6000.97x
New York
8,530 jobs$47,6700.92x
Pennsylvania
6,650 jobs$53,6601.14x
Ohio
5,950 jobs$49,0801.12x
Illinois
5,750 jobs$52,0200.98x
North Carolina
5,180 jobs$50,5201.09x
Michigan
5,010 jobs$56,8801.18x
Georgia
4,680 jobs$51,1901.00x
Missouri
4,350 jobs$60,5401.54x
Tennessee
3,970 jobs$47,4601.26x
Indiana
3,780 jobs$51,1601.23x
New Jersey
3,720 jobs$62,4000.90x
Virginia
3,720 jobs$57,7600.94x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mechanical
100%
#2
Repairing
100%
#3
Arm-Hand Steadiness
100%
#4
Troubleshooting
92%
#5
Manual Dexterity
92%
#6
Operations Monitoring
86%
#7
Visualization
82%
#8
Customer and Personal Service
80%
#9
Critical Thinking
78%
#10
Problem Sensitivity
74%
Skills Overview
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced5.0
100%
Troubleshooting
advanced4.6
92%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Visualization
intermediate4.1
82%
Customer and Personal Service
intermediate4.0
80%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Visualization
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance78%
abilities
3.9/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators73%
5 shared skills
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door73%
5 shared skills
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas73%
5 shared skills
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians73%
5 shared skills
Brickmasons and Blockmasons70%
5 shared skills
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic70%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Time Management
- →Production and Processing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Repairing
- ★Arm-Hand Steadiness
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (19)Training & Development (1)Planning & Development (1)
1
File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development94% perform96%
4
Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
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.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Automotive Body and Related Repairers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Automotive Body and Related Repairers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.91
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.45
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.18
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.17
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.10
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.06
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Dependability
4.5
Integrity
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Innovation
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Persistence
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Independence
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Automotive Body and Related Repairers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 111 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 13 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MO (13) , UT (13) , GU (12) , IL (11) , TX (10)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
3.3k program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.9k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
2.4k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.9k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.3k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
1.0k program completions/year
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