Career comparison
Auto Body Technician vs. Claims Adjuster
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Claims adjusters earn more at the median ($78,000 vs. $54,890), while claims adjusters usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Auto body technicians repair and restore vehicles after collisions, from dents and frames to paint. Claims adjusters investigate insurance claims and decide how much should be paid.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Auto Body Technician | Claims Adjuster | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $54,890 ($26.39/hr) | $78,000 ($37.50/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,910 – $87,940 | $48,850 – $117,040 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.7% (about as fast as average) | -5.5% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 12,600 | 20,900 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6 months–2 years | 3–12 months |
| Key credential | I-CAR training and Platinum recognition | State adjuster license |
| Work setting | Technicians work in collision repair shops and dealerships with lifts, frame machines and paint booths. | Adjusters work in offices, from home and in the field at homes, businesses and accident scenes. |
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
Claims Adjuster
- Review insurance policies and coverage
- Inspect property or vehicle damage
- Interview claimants, witnesses and experts
- Estimate repair or replacement costs
- Negotiate and approve settlements
How they’re similar
Both careers involve 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 empathy.
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 claims adjuster if…
- I like investigating and solving problems
- I can stay fair when people are upset
- I’m comfortable on ladders and roofs
Still torn? Take the Auto Body Technician fit quiz and the Claims Adjuster fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, auto body technician or claims adjuster?
Claims Adjusters earn more at the median: $78,000 versus $54,890 for auto body technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Claims Adjusters typically train faster (3–12 months) 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 -5.5% for claims adjusters.