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Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $54,890/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$36,910$87,940

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +1.6% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 14,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
RepairingTroubleshootingTime ManagementActive ListeningQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringSpeakingMonitoringReading Comprehension
Top knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingMathematicsEnglish LanguageTransportationEngineering and TechnologyPublic Safety and Security
Core tasks

File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.

Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.

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.

Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.

Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.

Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.

Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.

Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Automotive Body and Related Repairers?

The median pay for Automotive Body and Related Repairers is $54,890 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Automotive Body and Related Repairers?

Employment for Automotive Body and Related Repairers is projected to change +1.6% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Automotive Body and Related Repairers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Automotive Body and Related Repairers?

About 14,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.