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Auto body repairers, or collision repair technicians, straighten bent vehicle bodies, remove dents and replace crumpled parts that cannot be fixed. The aim is to refinish a vehicle and make it look and drive like new.
Each damaged vehicle presents different challenges for repairers. Using their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques, automotive body repairers must decide how to handle each job based on what the vehicle is made of and what needs to be fixed.
They may do any or all of the following:
- realign the frame of the vehicle
- fix or replace damaged body parts
- use a pneumatic metal-cutting gun or other tools to remove badly damaged sections
- weld in replacement sections
- remove dents with hydraulic jacks or by hand
- clean the surface with a media blaster
- repaint the damaged portion of the vehicle
Some body repairers specialize in fixing fiberglass car bodies. Some body repairers specialize in installing and repairing glass in automobiles and other vehicles.
How long will it take?
A high school diploma or GED is often all that is required, but job prospects are much improved if you complete a training program. At Amarillo College, you can be trained in fewer than 40 credit hours!
How much will you earn?
Median hourly wage-and-salary earnings of automotive body and related repairers were nearly $17.00 in 2006. The most skilled can make well over $20.00 an hour.
Where can you work?
The majority of body repairers are employed by independent repair shops and automotive dealers.
AC can help you get there!
