Occupation Details
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$34,130.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$49,660.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$62,150.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
6,720
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
10,770
+405 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,202
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.6%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air chisels
- Air compressors
- Air hammers
- Air pressure gauges
- Alignment machines
- Alignment squares
- Anvils
- Blow torches
- Body saws
- Bondo spreaders
- Brazing equipment
- Buffing machines
- Calipers
- Cold chisels
- Crown spoons
- Dent hammers
- Depth gauges
- Desktop computers
- Dial indicators
- Digital cameras
- Door skin dollies
- Double-edged blades
- Double-edged cutter tools
- Drill presses
- Feeler gauges
- Fluorescent lights
- Foot shears
- Frame alignment equipment
Technology
- Accounts receivable software
- Appointment scheduling software
- AutoZone ALLDATA
- Automotive and Accounting Software by R*KOM Invoice Writer
- Collision damage measurement software
- Equipment management information software
- Materials management software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft OneNote
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain repair records
- control operation of compressors
- fabricate sheet metal parts or items
- use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
- operate sheet metal fabrication machines
- use spray paint equipment
- use auto or vehicular body repair equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use pneumatic tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects
- use soldering equipment
- use arc welding equipment
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- align vehicle frame
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
- repair commercial transportation equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- move or fit heavy objects
- clean rooms or work areas
- prime or paint vehicle or transportation equipment surfaces
- repair sheet metal products
- repair vehicle body parts
- mask vehicle body in preparation for painting
- apply filler substances to dents in vehicle bodies
- file, sand, grind, or polish metal or plastic objects
- install or repair windshields or other glass in motor vehicles
- mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
- laminate objects
- cut metal or plastic
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- stretch, bend, straighten, shape, pound, or press metal or plastic
- use airbrush techniques
- measure, weigh, or count products or materials
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
- identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- recognize characteristics of metals
- identify base metals for welding
- recognize characteristics of alloys
- test operate vehicles before or after repair
- determine project methods and procedures
- read technical drawings
- read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use combination welding procedures
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
- Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
- Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
- Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
- 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.
- Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
- Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.
- Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.
- Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.
- Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.
- Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.
- Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.
- Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.
- Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.
- Replace damaged glass on vehicles.
- Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.
- Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.
- Clean work areas, using air hoses, to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.
- Read specifications or confer with customers to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.
- Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.
- Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.
- Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Automotive body and related repairers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreWelders and Metal Workers
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn More