Career comparison
Auto Body Technician vs. Auto Damage Appraiser
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Auto damage appraisers earn more at the median ($78,240 vs. $54,890), while auto damage appraisers usually get to work faster (Training program plus months on the job of training). Auto body technicians repair and restore vehicles after collisions, from dents and frames to paint. Auto damage appraisers inspect damaged vehicles and estimate repair costs for insurance claims.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Auto Body Technician | Auto Damage Appraiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $54,890 ($26.39/hr) | $78,240 ($37.61/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,910 – $87,940 | $58,360 – $101,590 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.7% (about as fast as average) | -8.7% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 12,600 | 700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 6 months–2 years | Training program plus months on the job |
| Key credential | I-CAR training and Platinum recognition | State appraiser license |
| Work setting | Technicians work in collision repair shops and dealerships with lifts, frame machines and paint booths. | Appraisers work in the field at body shops and tow yards, and from home offices or desk review centers.. |
What each job does
Auto Body Technician
- 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
Auto Damage Appraiser
- Inspect damaged vehicles
- Photograph damage
- Write repair estimates
- Negotiate with body shops
- Determine total losses
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, and working independently. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and business & office, but share transferable skills such as attention to detail and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose auto body technician 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
Choose auto damage appraiser if…
- I know cars
- I like working on my own
- I’m detail-oriented
Still torn? Take the Auto Body Technician fit quiz and the Auto Damage Appraiser fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, auto body technician or auto damage appraiser?
Auto Damage Appraisers earn more at the median: $78,240 versus $54,890 for auto body technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Auto Damage Appraisers typically train faster (Training program plus months on the job) than auto body technicians (6 months–2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects auto body technicians to grow +3.7% from 2025–35, compared with -8.7% for auto damage appraisers.