How much should an auto body repairer earn? We've compiled the information you need in one easy-to-read article. This article covers the education requirement, base salary, and total compensation for this job. For more details, see the entire salary distribution by State. Below is information for various states and cities. Washington offers the highest average wage for this job.
Experience level
Based on experience, the salary for an automotive body technician varies. Entry-level jobs earn about $28,090/year, while more experienced workers make over $100,000. Auto body repairers also work in the natural gas distribution industry and earn an average of $66,000 a year. They can work on all types of vehicles including motorbikes, cars, trucks, and buses.
Base salary
The average base salary for an auto body repairer is $48,120 per year. This job is paid between $28,090- $76,270, depending upon your skills and experience. This range is comparable to the salaries of similar careers, but is lower than for millwrights and motorbike mechanics. The expected growth in this field will allow for opportunities for upward mobility. Depending on skills and location, the salary may go up or down by up to eight percent in the next few years.
Total cash compensation
If you are looking for a job that is both artistic and scientific, you might consider a career in automotive body or glass repairer. Glass and automotive body repairers restore damaged cars to showroom condition. This can include replacing cracked windshields, or repairing door panels. Major collisions can cause a car to be weakened, and body repairers are required to restore its structural integrity. The tools used by body repairers include pneumatic tools as well heavy hydraulic and heavy hydraulic-jacks.
Education Required
There are many education requirements for auto body repairers. They vary depending on where you work, how experienced you are. It is a good idea to have completed a high school automotive mechanics course. This will make it easier for you in the future. Many vocational and trade schools offer training in auto body repair. Also, getting your driver’s license is necessary as it is often one of the best ways to gain experience. Autobody repairers traditionally learned their trade by doing the job. They began as helpers and moved on to more complicated tasks as they got experience. Unfortunately, there are not many apprenticeship programs.
Duties of the job
An Auto Body Technician is someone who repairs a vehicle that has been in an accident. This individual works for a company, car dealer, or manufacturer, or even a bus line. This job requires knowledge and skill in safety standards, manual dexterity, physical fitness, and extensive training. Auto Body repairers may work weekends or even in the evenings. To attract the best talent, the hiring process should be personalized. A job description can be a great first step for potential employees. It should be specific to the company's needs and preferences.
FAQ
Is automotive mechanic a promising career?
For those who are passionate about excellence, automotive is a rewarding industry. Working hard and learning from others is the best way to be successful in this field.
You'll need to have excellent communication skills because you'll spend most of your time talking to customers and other employees. You will need to be able and willing travel for work, making it more difficult to commute.
Take classes at community colleges or universities if you're interested to work in automotive. Many schools offer programs specifically designed for students interested in auto repair, sales, or customer service.
Mechanical engineering is a good choice if you are interested in pursuing a degree. You can get your bachelor's degree in as little as four years.
Many employers will also hire graduates straight from school. Therefore, it is a good idea to look for employment while still pursuing part-time studies.
After you have completed your education, you will likely need some training to be able to work as an automotive technician.
This means that you must pass the Automotive Service Excellence exam. This test covers topics such engine maintenance as brakes, steering, suspension, etc.
After passing the ASE exam, you can apply for a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence license.
A license permits you to repair private vehicles. You'll get compensation based on the amount of services you perform.
Not all states require licensing. However, licensing is required for anyone who plans to work outside the home state.
Some states do not issue licenses until they have received a certain amount or training. If this is you, you may need another option.
What qualifications are required to become a mechanic
You will need to pass several exams in order to become a mechanic. These include:
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A general knowledge test
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A practical exam
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An apprenticeship test
These tests are designed for you to understand the basic concepts and principles of mechanics before your start as a technician.
These tests will allow you to be a mechanic once you have passed them. But, you will still need an apprenticeship. This will require you to learn the trade.
To learn all there is to know about fixing vehicles, you will need workshops and classes. It will be necessary to work alongside experienced mechanics.
A mechanic must be highly focused and attentive to detail in order to succeed. It is essential to pay attention to all aspects of vehicle repairs.
To be a successful mechanic, patience and perseverance are essential. If you don’t like following directions, then this career path may not suit you.
However, if you love cars or enjoy working on them, you might be happy in this field.
What jobs are available for car mechanics?
For car mechanics, there are three main areas for employment:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
Most people think of this as the first step to becoming a mechanic. In fact, it's probably the easiest way to get started. You have two options: work in an existing shop or open your own.
If you decide to work at a shop, you'll need to apply to join a union. Once accepted into the union you will be trained by the union.
Once you complete the training, it's time to get started.
Registering with the government is required if you intend to open a garage. After registering, you'll be required to meet certain standards.
After you register, you will be granted a license for your garage to operate.
Your license allows you to sell spare parts and make minor repairs. It won't allow you to fix major engine problems.
Apart from selling spare parts, customers will also expect you to provide guidance and advice.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships only employ mechanics who have a specific skill set. For example, they might only deal with brakes or only replace tires.
Some dealerships hire general mechanics to handle all aspects of car repair.
These positions may require applicants to complete specific training before being allowed on the job. Employers can then choose the best candidates for their job.
Some dealerships will hire graduates straight from college. These graduates have no difficulty learning about cars because they already know the basics and principles of mechanical engineering.
Independent garages
Independent garages are not associated with any one dealership. They are more focused on providing top-quality service.
Independent garages have the ability to afford higher wages, as they aren’t associated with any one company. This means that these jobs are usually more lucrative than those at dealerships.
But this doesn't mean that independent garages are necessarily better places to work. Many business owners prefer to own their businesses and not delegate the responsibility to others.
You might find yourself working long hours but having no control over what happens in the day.
It is also possible to expect lower wages than you would if working at a dealer.
You can switch jobs easily. You can switch jobs easily if you are interested in working at a dealership. Simply ask your employer if they would be open to hiring you as a mechanic.
You could also apply directly to an owner of a garage if that's what you want.
Finding a new job is not always easy. There are plenty of other factors that influence how much you earn.
It could be the type and cost of labor you use to repair your vehicle.
How long does it take you to become a great mechanic?
To become a skilled mechanic, you need years of experience and practice. A professional mechanic will teach you how to fix cars.
You will spend time in a workshop learning everything you can about cars. You'll need to study mechanical engineering books on mechanics and car design.
Additionally, you will need to attend an auto school.
It's crucial to start as soon as possible. It doesn't matter if you're old or not to study automotive technology. Do you want to be a mechanic? Get started today!
What is the length of an automotive training course?
A course in automotive lasts three years.
The first year is dedicated to theory and learning about cars. The second year is spent on practical training where you learn how to drive, fix engines, and do other mechanical jobs around the car. You will spend the final year working in a local garage to gain real-world experience.
Is it difficult to become a mechanic apprentice
It's not easy, but you learn fast, and there are many opportunities for advancement.
You will need to be patient and persevering. It is also important to know how you can fix vehicles, trucks, or motorcycles.
There is a lot of pressure from customers and family members who want you to succeed. You shouldn't feel pressured to make decisions that you don't like.
This is a career that you might enjoy if you are passionate about fixing cars. You can make a decent living and build your business.
But you may prefer another path. If this is the case, you might want to become a technician.
This is where you use your technical skills to support other workers. Technical support could include helping technicians to troubleshoot issues or teaching them new techniques.
Another option is becoming a service advisor. When customers bring their cars into a garage, they will receive advice and assistance.
Your choice is based on what you choose to do. There are many options to choose from, and it is up to you which one suits you the best.
Statistics
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
External Links
How To
How to properly diagnose your car for repair
Before you can determine if your car requires repairs, it's important to first analyze the symptoms. You can then follow these steps for a proper diagnosis of your vehicle.
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Check engine lights. The dashboard light indicators, including the engine light, oil pressure gauge, battery light indicator, coolant temperature gauge and RPM gauge, should be checked. If any of them have been flashing for several days, it may mean something is wrong with your vehicle.
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Inspect the tire treads. Tires that are worn can cause issues with handling and braking. It is also important to inspect the wheel treads. They should be clean, and they should be smooth. To do this, remove the wheels and take them out. Use a flashlight to see how well the treads are worn.
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Check the level of brake fluid. You must always monitor the level of your brake fluid. You can ensure that your brakes are working properly by monitoring the level of brake fluid in your vehicle. Your brakes may fail if the brake fluid level drops.
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Test the suspension system. Vehicles usually have a suspension system that helps absorb shocks and vibrations while driving. It allows for better control, smooth acceleration, and deceleration. A suspension problem can cause your vehicle to feel wobbly and shake uncontrollably. Try putting some weight on your front or rear axle to determine if you have a suspension problem.
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Examine your steering column. Steering columns connect the steering wheels to other parts of the vehicle. Steering columns can be damaged by accidents. It is recommended to replace any steering column that feels loose, or shakey.
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Observe the exhaust pipe. Exhaust pipes help move gases from the combustion chamber to the atmosphere. Exhaust pipes that are cracked or leaking can allow harmful fumes to enter your cabin. Additionally, your tailpipe should be fixed immediately if it is bent.
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Look under the hood. Look underneath your hood to see if anything looks strange. Your engine could be leaking fluids. You should also contact a professional technician if there is an unusual odor coming from the engine compartment.
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You should inspect your air filter. The outside environment can collect dust and other debris in your vehicle's air filters. Your vehicle will run less well if it has a dirty filter. Replace your air filter regularly.
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Make sure you check the fan belt. Your vehicle's fanbel is what connects the engine and the transmission. If the fan belt is damaged, the engine won’t turn. It is very easy to replace your belt. All you need to replace the belt is a screwdriver with pliers.
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Verify the radiator hoses. The radiatorhose carries water from your radiator to the engine. If the hose becomes damaged or cracked, hot liquid can be emitted onto the engine. Repairing the hose is easy with a pair of needlenose pliers or a small wire brush.
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You should inspect the windshield wipers. Windshield wipers work by using electricity to remove rain and snow. If they stop working they could leave streaks behind on your window glass. Change the washer fluid to fix the problem.
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Check the battery cables. The batteries provide power to the electrical systems within your car. Always disconnect the negative wire before you replace batteries. Failure to do so can damage your alternator.
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Pay attention to your headlights. The headlights will illuminate the road ahead. If they don't work properly, it can cause poor visibility. To check if the bulbs have gone out, you can inspect them.
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Make sure you have your lights on. When you approach them at night, the lights warn other drivers. You could be distracted and cause an accident if one does not work.
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Make sure you check your brakes. Brakes will reduce the speed of your car in case of an accident. You may lose control of your vehicle and crash if the brakes don't function properly.
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Check the oil regularly. Keep your engine lubricated with oil. This oil helps to prevent metal parts becoming too worn out. It is recommended that the oil be changed every other month.