
Are you interested in learning how to be an auto body technician. Learn about the educational requirements, job duties, and salary. This article will provide information on this rewarding career path. These are the basics. First, you should have a high school diploma or GED. A high school diploma is not required by many vocational schools. Some may require SAT/ACT scores. Some high schools offer auto body repair courses.
Career outlook
There is a high demand for auto body technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be nearly 16,000 jobs for collision repair technicians in 2029. This is largely due to the aging baby boomers. This growth is not fueled by new jobs, however, and auto body technicians who are certified will have a greater job outlook. Autobody technicians can expect good jobs and plenty of opportunities for career growth after graduating.
The auto industry is changing rapidly, so careers in this sector are always evolving. As a result, the field requires skilled technicians to keep up with the latest technologies. Students who successfully complete their training will have access to the most up-to-date cars and latest jobs in repair. They will face many challenges as they work, but they will also have an array of challenging and exciting opportunities.

Education necessary
For admission to an accredited vocational school, you will need a diploma from secondary school. Students who excel academically may want to consider joining technical clubs to develop a strong customer service background before pursuing their career. Technical clubs may arrange visits to repair shops or apprenticeships. These experiences can help ease the transition into an autobody technician career. You will need strong communication skills and analytical skills, regardless of what area you are interested in.
You don't need to have a college degree in order to become an auto body technician. About 45% of these professionals have a high school diploma or GED. For those who have some college education, an auto body technician program might be more appealing. The training program can take six months to one year depending on the school. You may be eligible for training even if you don't have a college diploma.
Job duties
A technician who works as an auto body technie is responsible for maintaining and repairing vehicles. Technicians must adhere to OSHA and ASE standards. They also need exceptional manual dexterity. They must follow all specifications provided by the manufacturer. This job requires them to pay close attention to details and to be thorough in performing their duties. They are working on the car of the customer!
An auto body technician applies fiberglass matting layers over damaged areas. They can also use templates and power shears to cut windows that are customized. They use caulking guns as well adhesive brushes to secure windows or other metal trim. The roof is also installed using vinyl material by mallets. They use hand shears for measuring and cutting the vinyl material.

Salary
Salary for an Auto Body Technician will depend on the level of experience, whereabouts and the skills required. BLS gives data about the salary level for this occupation based on complexity, contacts, knowledge, environment, and other factors. In the United States, the salary for Auto Body Technicians averages $30,000 per annum. It is higher in New York and California. We'll show you how to calculate the exact salary for this job in the table below.
Auto Body Technicians receive a different amount of compensation depending on where they live. New York is the highest-paying state with 12.2% higher than the national average. The salary range for an Auto Body Technician can vary depending on their work, location, and experience. It can be anywhere between $18,500 and $101,000 per year. But it is important to take into account the cost to live in the area you choose to move to.
FAQ
What qualifications does a truck mechanic need?
You don't have formal qualifications for this role, but you are very experienced working on trucks and engines. Your knowledge is valuable as you are able to quickly diagnose problems and work efficiently.
Your knowledge of diesel technology will allow you to identify the parts that are required to fix our vehicles.
Do I need to have a degree to work as an automotive mechanic? Can I study part time?
A degree isn't necessary, but it certainly helps. Employers prefer applicants who have completed a full-time degree. It shows that you've worked hard and are determined to succeed.
This doesn't necessarily mean you can't continue to work while studying. Some universities allow students to complete coursework over the summer holidays and finish their studies later in the year. Students can also take classes part time throughout the academic year.
How long is an apprenticeship for an automotive mechanic?
A three-year apprenticeship in automotive mechanics takes. This includes two years at school and two years working as an apprentice. The first year is dedicated to learning the theory and practical skills of the trade. You'll also learn how tools can be used safely and efficiently during this year. After completing the first year, you'll then spend another year on-the-job training where you'll gain experience in different areas of the trade. These are also the times you can attend formal courses.
The final year of the program is spent gaining qualifications and becoming certified in the field. These include NVQs. They are awarded after passing exams on specific topics within the industry. In addition, there are HNCs (Higher National Certificates) that cover general subjects such as management, business administration, and customer service. Finally, there are City & Guilds certificates that are offered for those who wish to become qualified in certain trades.
How can I fix my automobile as a hobby.
If you are interested in cars, why not take it on as a hobby? It is possible to learn about cars, repair them, purchase parts, or simply enjoy them. This would be a wonderful hobby if you're looking to find something completely different.
It's not an easy task to make this a full-time job. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work. Also, you will need to put a lot of money into it.
You might not have a compelling reason to get involved in the car industry.
What length is an automotive course?
A course in automotive lasts three years.
The first year is spent learning about cars and theory. The second year is spent on practical training where you learn how to drive, fix engines, and do other mechanical jobs around the car. The last year of your training is spent on practical training, where you learn how to fix real-world problems.
Is it important which college I go?
No, not really. There's no difference between colleges regarding getting into the automotive industry. You will find that some schools offer better programs than others. If you are looking for something more specific, consider going to another school.
What should I know about car mechanics
To be an auto mechanic, you don't have to know much about cars. All you need to know is how to fix things. It's why many people begin to fix things by fitting brake pads or changing tires.
You need to be able read and comprehend diagrams, follow written instructions and adhere to basic principles of good practice. Also, you will need to know how to tell if parts require replacing or repair.
It is important to remember that proper training and guidance are essential for anyone who attempts to repair vehicles. This is especially true for expensive components, such as transmissions and engines.
In fact, even though you won't need to know much about cars, you will need to thoroughly know the basics of mechanical engineering and physics. This will include understanding the basic principles of engine operation and brake function.
You should also be ready to handle all kinds of situations. You might be required to work on a vehicle that was involved in an accident. You'll also need experience dealing with breakdowns and accidents.
Finally, you must be willing to learn new skills quickly. You will need to be able not only to diagnose problems but also to perform simple maintenance tasks like tightening bolts and nuts.
Statistics
- There were 749,900 jobs available for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2016, which is expected to grow by six percent through 2026. (jobhero.com)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
External Links
How To
How to Become an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she works in car dealerships as well as auto shops, garages, and service centers. He/she works with customers to repair their cars and trucks, ATVs or snowmobiles. An automotive technician must know how to diagnose problems and perform repairs efficiently, safely, accurately, quickly, and correctly.
An associate degree should be obtained from a vocational school if you wish to work as an auto technician. After completing this program, he/she will need to pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence's (ASE) certification exam. ASE stands in for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. There are two sections to the ASE certification test. One section tests mechanical knowledge; the second section tests practical skills. To take the test, you must visit one of the approved testing locations. You can find these locations online or through your local automobile dealer.
After passing the test, a candidate must pass an examination in order to be licensed as an automotive technician. This process varies depending on where the applicant lives. Some states require candidates to complete a training program, while others let them study on their own. Some states permit technicians to work immediately after they are granted their license. Others require them to wait at least six consecutive months before they can be licensed.
An applicant should apply to a local auto shop in order to start their career as an automotive technician. New employees are usually apprentices when they first get hired. Apprenticeship programs last about three years. During this time, a student learns how to perform basic repairs, such as changing oil, adjusting brakes, replacing tires, cleaning spark plugs, inspecting engine compartments, and performing routine maintenance. Advanced repairs can be done by some students, including replacing shocks, installing air filters and repairing engines. Many schools offer classes during normal business hours. However, there are some schools that offer evening classes for those who need them.
Once a student finishes his/her apprenticeship, it is possible to become a Journeyman. Journeymen spend typically four to five years learning to install major systems such as transmissions and differentials, steering gear, suspensions and drive shafts. They also learn to perform complex repairs, such as remanufacturing engines, rebuilding transmissions, and troubleshooting electrical components. Because they have a good understanding of the job and what customers expect, many employers prefer to hire journeymen.
A candidate who passes all the necessary exams and gets a license might be interested in opening his/her own business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1.7 million automotive mechanic jobs were available in 2010. That number was expected to grow by 18 percent from 2009 to 2020. A candidate who plans to open a shop should expect to spend many thousands of dollars on equipment and supplies.
There are many factors that affect the salary of an automotive technician, such as where they live, their education and experience. A jobless person could make an average of $20,000 annually. Someone with only a high school diploma could earn around $21,000 per year. Earnings for those with an associate's diploma are approximately $24,000/year. A technician with a bachelor's degree earned approximately $27,000 annually. The average annual salary for those with master's degrees was $32,000. A common trend is for salary increases to occur so a professional making less than $30,000 can reasonably expect to be earning $40,000 or more within a few years.