Career Specializations

• Automotive Glass Installers & Repairers: These collision workers specialize in repairing cracked or broken windshields and windows in vehicles.
• Repair-Specific Specializations: Many autobody shops use specific repair workers for particular types of repairs in which they are the most proficient. Some workers may work predominantly on repairing doors, while others straighten frames or repair fenders. Finishers and painters are their own autobody repair specialty.

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Degree Levels

• Certificate: 6 months-1 year to complete
• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

Although many choose to learn this trade on the job, certificate and associate degree programs in autobody and collision repair are helpful for landing a job and advancing entry-level positions. These programs are offered by vocational-technical schools and community colleges. High school students looking to prepare for these programs can take courses in electronics, math, physics, computers, and related areas. These certificate and degree programs teach students how to assess autobody damage and make repairs with different types of materials. Courses like autobody welding, plastics and adhesives, structural analysis damage repair, and spray gun operation are common to these educational programs. Students who choose to earn an associate degree will also take courses in general education topics like natural science, social studies, and humanities.

While educational programs give students beginning training in the hands-on aspects of autobody repair, most students will need to spend three to four more years learning the ins and outs of the job in an entry-level position before they can advance in their career. During this time, new hires perform smaller, minor repairs while learning the repair process under the guidance of experienced workers. Individuals in this field will also need to continue their education throughout their career, as new car models and components are developed.

Career seekers are not required to have certification in autobody and collision repair in order to find employment, but it can be helpful. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a voluntary credential that is used throughout the collision repair industry. To earn this certification, applicants must have two years of repair experience and a passing score on one of the group's four exams. The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) offers continuing education certifications to experienced technicians. (BLS)

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Salary Information 

Those just entering the autobody and collision repair field with a certificate or associate degree can expect salary offers of around $30,000 a year. Those with professional experience can earn $38,000-50,000 a year. The industries employing the most autobody repair workers are automotive repair and maintenance, automobile dealers, motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers, and local governments. (BLS)

Autobody glass installers and repairers who learn their skills on the job can expect initial offers of around $26,000 a year. Those with professional experience or a pertinent certificate or degree can earn $33,000-41,000 a year. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

While more cars will be taking to the roads in the coming years, job growth for repairers is expected to be at only about one percent during the 2008-2018 period. Due to the increasingly sophisticated technology used in cars and the increasing cost of repair parts, many collision and repair shops have been streamlining their workforce and employing cost-cutting measures. Furthermore, this expensive technology has increased the number of cars that are being scrapped instead of repaired, since the cost of repairs will exceed the value of the car. And, as insurance deductibles have increased, many car owners are choosing not to repair small damage to their vehicles.

However, despite this relatively slow growth in jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts excellent job opportunities for repairers with formal training in autobody and collision work. This is because many current repairers will be retiring from the workforce in the coming years, and many others will be leaving this field for other occupations. This will create a large number of new job openings. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Automotive technology careers are closely related to those in autobody and collision repair. These workers maintain, repair, and replace the computer and electronic systems used in cars and other vehicles. A certificate or associate degree can be helpful for entering this career.

Diesel mechanics are auto repair professionals who work specifically with the diesel engines used in buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Diesel mechanics must also master the shop skills that are used in other automotive specialties. Certificates or associate degrees in diesel repair are useful for entering this field.

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