Automotive Body and Related Repairers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn a median salary of $51,680 per year, ranking in the top 60% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.6% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do automotive body and related repairers earn?

The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers is $51,680. That puts automotive body and related repairers at #482 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is automotive body and related repairers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for automotive body and related repairers is +1.6%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 172K positions in 2024 to 175K in 2034, a net change of 3K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do automotive body and related repairers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working automotive body and related repairers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
2. 2.Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
3. 3.Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.
4. 4.File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
5. 5.Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
6. 6.Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
7. 7.Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
8. 8.Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.

Top skills for automotive body and related repairers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become automotive body and related repairer?

Automotive Body and Related Repairers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
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• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
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• Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
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• Avionics Technicians
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• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
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Common questions parents ask about automotive body and related repairers