Automotive Service Technician
Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.
- $50,620
- 6–24 months
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Auto Body Technician
Also called: Collision Repair Technician · Body Shop Technician · Auto Body Repairer · Collision Technician
What auto body technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an auto body technician do?
Auto body technicians repair damaged vehicle bodies and frames, replace panels, straighten structures, weld, and prepare surfaces for paint so vehicles look and perform like they did before a crash. The median pay is $54,890 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow +3.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$54,890$26.39/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year12,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train6 months–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs163,200Employment, 2025
What auto body technicians do
Auto body technicians, also called collision repair technicians, fix vehicles after accidents. They analyze damage, remove and replace panels, repair dents, measure and straighten frames and unibodies, weld steel and aluminum, and prepare surfaces for refinishing. Some specialize as painters, frame technicians or estimators.
Modern vehicles use high-strength steels, aluminum and advanced driver assistance systems, so repairs must follow manufacturer procedures closely. Many technicians train in a postsecondary collision program and continue with I-CAR and ASE training. Experienced techs often work on flat-rate pay, earning more as they work efficiently.
Typical duties
- Inspect damage and review repair estimates
- Remove and replace damaged panels and parts
- Repair dents and reshape metal
- Measure and straighten frames and unibodies
- Weld and bond steel and aluminum components
- Sand, fill and prime surfaces for paint
- Reinstall trim, lights and components and verify ADAS calibration needs
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in collision repair shops and dealerships with lifts, frame machines and paint booths. The work involves standing, kneeling, lifting and exposure to dust, noise and fumes, controlled by ventilation and PPE.
Schedule: Most technicians work full-time weekday hours, with some Saturday work. Flat-rate pay means income depends on efficiency and shop volume.
A day in the life
- Review today’s repair orders and OEM repair procedures for a late-model SUV.
- Disassemble the front end and inspect hidden damage.
- Mount the vehicle on the frame machine and measure reference points.
- Pull the structure back to specifications and recheck measurements.
See a full day in the life of an auto body technician →
Auto Body Technician salary
Half of auto body technicians earned more than $54,890 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,910 for the lowest 10% to $87,940 for the top 10%.
Full auto body technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an auto body technician
- Take auto body classes
- Complete a collision program
- Start as a helper or apprentice
- Earn I-CAR and ASE credentials
- Specialize
A high school diploma is typical, and many technicians complete a collision repair program at a technical school or community college. Ongoing training through I-CAR and manufacturer programs is expected throughout a career.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an auto body technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Damage analysis
- Panel replacement and dent repair
- Frame measuring and straightening
- MIG and spot welding
- Surface prep and refinishing
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Pride in workmanship
All auto body technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Satisfying visual results
- Steady work from collisions
- Flat-rate pay rewards skill
- Many specialty paths
Cons
- Dust, fumes and noise
- Physically demanding work
- Must keep up with new materials and technology
- Pay can vary with shop volume
Certifications and licenses
- I-CAR training and Platinum recognition: Industry training on current repair methods.
- ASE Collision Repair certifications (B2–B6): Tests in painting, structural and non-structural repair, mechanical/electrical and damage analysis.
- OEM certifications: Manufacturer training for brands such as Ford, GM, Honda or Tesla.
- Welding certification: Steel and aluminum welding credentials such as I-CAR welding qualification.
Career path
- Body Shop Helper: Prep, disassemble and assist technicians.
- Auto Body Technician: Repair panels and structures.
- Frame Specialist, Painter or Estimator: Specialize in structural work, refinishing or estimating.
- Shop Foreman or Body Shop Manager: Lead technicians and run operations.
Learn the job before day one
Our Auto Body Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as repair a small dent and prep for paint and measure a vehicle on a frame machine, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Auto Body Tech vs. Auto Technician · Auto Body Tech vs. Welder · Auto Body Tech vs. Diesel Mechanic · Auto Body Tech vs. Painter
Auto Body Technician FAQ
How long does it take to become an auto body technician?
Many complete a 6 to 24 month collision program, then continue learning on the job.
Is auto body different from auto mechanics?
Yes. Body techs repair structure and appearance; mechanics repair engines and systems.
Do body shops pay flat rate?
Many do, so efficient, skilled technicians can earn more.
How much does an auto body technician make?
The median annual wage for auto body technicians was $54,890 ($26.39 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,910 and the highest 10% earned more than $87,940.
How long does it take to become an auto body technician?
Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. A high school diploma is typical, and many technicians complete a collision repair program at a technical school or community college. Ongoing training through I-CAR and manufacturer programs is expected throughout a career.
Do you need a degree to be an auto body technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
More auto body technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3021 (Automotive body and related repairers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Automotive body and related repairers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.