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Are You Interested in a Career in the Auto Body Industry?
Now is a Great Time to Enter the Collision Repair Industry! The collision repair technician of today is in high demand. The need for technical and academic skills has become more important than ever. This, along with other factors has created a situation where the total number of people entering the collision repair profession is actually decreasing. Body shops are finding it harder and harder to attract and retain quality technicians. Because of this, the opportunities to newcomers in this field are endless.
Employment Opportunities
According to industry statistics, there's a shortage of about 20,000 body technicians per year. This means that 200,000 jobs could become available in the next decade. And, employment is available in nearly every geographic location. Excellent opportunities exist for both men and women in collision repair. Although traditionally a male dominated industry, a growing number of women are entering the field each year.
Positions Available
Positions in the collision industry include (but are not limited to):
- Porters/Detailers
- Paint Prep/Polishers
- Apprentice Painters
- Painters
- Apprentice / Intern Body Technicians
- Journeyman Body Technicians
- Master Body Technicians
- Quality Control Inspectors
- Receptionists/Office Managers/Bookkeepers
- Estimators
- Parts Managers
- Shop Managers
- Shop Owners
Entry Level Qualifications
According to the I-CAR Education Foundation, 67% of technicians are high school graduates, and an additional 21% have at least some college education. An entry level technician is someone who has some collision repair experience and can perform entry level tasks such as prepping for paint, repairing dents, welding parts, etc. These skills can be acquired through on the job training, or through vocational and technical trade schools/colleges.
Income
On the average, collision repair technicians make more annually than dental hygienists, medical lab technicians, carpenters, and electronic technicians. Income varies widely depending on one's experience and the shop, however, the average income for a collision repair technician ranges from $25,000 - $50,000 a year. As your skills increase, so will your income. As well, you have the possibility of owning your own shop someday.
Benefits
Due to the fact that qualified technicians are in such demand, one way shops are looking to retain employees is through better benefits packages. Benefit packages vary greatly depending upon business size and management style. Larger businesses tend to offer more benefits. A typical benefits package would include:
- Health Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- 401K Retirement Plan
- Uniforms Supplied
- Training Scholarships
Continuing Education/Training
The collision repair industry is continuously changing. This creates a need for ongoing education in order to keep up with the latest in technology and advancements. It has been shown again and again that technician income tends to increase with ongoing education. According to an I-CAR survey, 70% of technicians reported having some training in the last two years, and according to a study done by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), more than 80% of in-house employees attended a training session in the last twelve months.
Where Can You Start?
- Local ROP Programs - contact through your local high school or school district.
- California State Community Colleges
- State Apprenticeship Programs - On the Job Training Programs - "Earn While You Learn"
- Federally Funded Programs - Limited Internship programs provide school experience and work experience.
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