How much does a auto body repairer make?

In the U.S., experience, industry certifications, location, and employer type—such as a collision shop or dealership—can all affect pay. Some shops add pay for each task to a base wage, so the amount and difficulty of the work can matter too.

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames. Excludes “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers” (49-3022) and “Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders” (51-9124).

What's a typical day like?

In a U.S. body shop, a repairer checks a damage report, removes a bent panel, and hammers out dents or welds in a new part. Then they sand and prime it, inspect the car’s fit and finish, and may take it for a test drive.

U.S. entrants often finish high school, then study collision repair or start as shop helpers; apprenticeships are another route. Youth programs can start at 16; certification is recommended, and a few states license auto-glass work.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. auto body repairers help decide whether a wrecked car is too damaged to be worth fixing—a car in this condition is called “totaled.”