Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Auto Body Technician
What auto body technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review today’s repair orders and OEM repair procedures for a late-model SUV. From there, the day usually includes inspect damage and review repair estimates, remove and replace damaged panels and parts, and repair dents and reshape metal. Most technicians work full-time weekday hours, with some Saturday work. Flat-rate pay means income depends on efficiency and shop volume.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an auto body technician working full time.
- 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.
- Install a new radiator support with spot-weld and MIG plug welds per OEM instructions.
- Repair a door dent, apply filler and block-sand it smooth.
- Prime repaired areas and send the vehicle to the paint department.
Where auto body technicians work
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.
Hours and schedule
Most technicians work full-time weekday hours, with some Saturday work. Flat-rate pay means income depends on efficiency and shop volume.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Frame machines and measuring systems
- MIG welders and spot welders
- Dent repair tools and studs
- Sanders, grinders and blocks
- Paint guns and spray booths
- Estimating software such as CCC ONE or Mitchell
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Satisfying visual results
- Steady work from collisions
- Flat-rate pay rewards skill
- Many specialty paths
What’s hard
- Dust, fumes and noise
- Physically demanding work
- Must keep up with new materials and technology
- Pay can vary with shop volume
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like fixing things and seeing the results
- I have a good eye for shape and detail
- I don’t mind dust and noise
- I want to work with tools and machines
- I can follow detailed repair procedures
- I’d like to earn more as I get faster and better
Not sure? Take the free Auto Body Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear a supplied-air or approved respirator when spraying paints with isocyanates
- Use eye, ear and hand protection when grinding and welding
- Support vehicles properly on lifts and stands
- Disable airbags and disconnect batteries before working nearby