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
$51,680
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.6%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14.6
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
$36,390
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,000
25th percentile
Median
$51,680
50th percentile
Experienced
$64,780
75th percentile
Top Earners
$87,040
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,390
25th
$45,000
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$51,680
Mean: $58,830
75th
$64,780
90th
$87,040
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $50,650 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,000 and $64,780
- •Salary spread is 38.3% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 155,220 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:172,600
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)71.8%
Repair and Maintenance71.8%
Automotive Repair and Maintenance71.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.6%
Annual Openings:14,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)172,600
Current
2034 (Projected)175,400
+1.6%
+2,800
Employment Change
+1.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Automotive Body and Related Repairers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
14,670 jobs$62,5700.81x
Texas
12,980 jobs$50,3500.93x
Florida
10,560 jobs$49,7601.07x
New York
8,080 jobs$50,3400.84x
Tennessee
6,850 jobs$50,1402.08x
Illinois
6,320 jobs$50,6901.03x
North Carolina
6,230 jobs$50,6201.26x
Ohio
6,040 jobs$48,7201.09x
Pennsylvania
5,900 jobs$51,3900.98x
Michigan
5,150 jobs$48,6301.16x
Georgia
4,490 jobs$50,0200.92x
Indiana
4,480 jobs$49,5501.40x
Missouri
4,440 jobs$58,9001.51x
Virginia
4,030 jobs$55,8700.98x
New Jersey
3,970 jobs$60,3900.93x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Repairing
100%
#2
Troubleshooting
92%
#3
Operations Monitoring
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
78%
#5
Speaking
70%
#6
Time Management
62%
#7
Quality Control Analysis
56%
#8
Active Listening
48%
#9
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Troubleshooting
advanced4.6
92%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.9
78%
Speaking
intermediate3.5
70%
Time Management
intermediate3.1
62%
Quality Control Analysis
basic2.8
56%
Active Listening
basic2.4
48%
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:
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance78%
abilities
3.9/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance62%
skills
3.1/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance56%
skills
2.8/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance48%
skills
2.4/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Time Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Repairing
- ★Speaking
- ★Critical Thinking
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
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