Automotive Body Repairers
Description OES Code: 85305
Repair, repaint, and refinish automotive vehicle bodies; straighten vehicle frames; and replace damaged vehicle glass.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.96
25th Percentile $10.42
50th Percentile $15.71
75th Percentile $22.45

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.99
25th Percentile $10.15
50th Percentile $14.86
75th Percentile $19.34

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Automobile-Body Repairers normally work an eight hour day, five days a week, although they may be paid by the job, and have flexible hours. Overtime, when working on an hourly basis, is paid at the rate of one and one-half times the straight-time wage.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 19,800
Projected Employment 2008 22,400
Percent Change 1998-2008 13.1%
Separations 1998-2008 6,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 260
Projected Employment 2006 300
Percent Change 1999-2006 15.4%
Separations 1999-2006 60

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
IAutomobile-Body Repairers usually work indoors. Most shops are well ventilated, but are often dusty. Repairers often work in cramped or awkward positions and, at times, their work may be strenuous. Following the proper safety measures is necessary to avoid cuts from ragged metal parts, burns from torches, and injuries from power tools.

Advancement
In small shops, there are few opportunities for advancement. In larger shops, repairers with several years of experience may advance to supervisor or shop manager. Many eventually open their own shop.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Applicants should apply for work with employers, unions, private employment agencies and the local office of the California Employment Development Department Job Service. Those attending community colleges or technical schools may get job referrals from their schools. Classified newspaper advertisements should also be checked for job openings.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Many Automobile-Body Repairers pick up their skills informally through on-the-job experience. The work requires climbing, lifting, balancing, walking and stooping. High school training should include such courses as general shop, metal work, metal forming, auto body repair, and basic math. Many training programs are offered through community colleges. A formal four-year apprenticeship program consisting of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction is offered by the union. Information on the apprenticeship program can be obtained from a local office of the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

Skills & Other Requirements
The following skills and abilities are important for Auto Body & Related Repairers:

Align Frame, Apply Airbrush Techniques, Apply Automotive System Theories, Apply Customer Relations As Part Of Repair, Services, Apply Filler Substances To Dents In Vehicle, Bodies, Apply Marketing Techniques To Vehicles & Related Parts & Services, Apply Metal Shaping Processes, Apply Safe Waste Disposal Procedures, Combination Weld, Fit Bearings, Install Auto Glass, Mix/Match Paint, Move And Lift Heavy Objects, Operate Lathes, Operate Lifting Equipment In Vehicle Repair, Setting, Operate Spray Paint Equipment, Perform Detailed Welding Techniques, Read Repair Work Orders, Read Technical Drawings & Specifications Read/Apply Service/Repair Manuals, Read/Understand Operating Manuals, Repair/Replace Plastic Auto Body Parts, Repair/Replace Vehicle Body Parts, Unpack /Inventory/Store Goods, Use Auto Body Painting & Repair Equipment, Use Hand/Power Tools. Use Pneumatic Tools, Use Precision Measuring Devices In Mechanical, Repair Work, Use Specialized Tool, Write Vehicle Damage Repair Estimates, Align Vehicle Body Parts, Apply Coatings/Adhesives, Apply Knowledge Of Vehicle Repair Procedures, Apply Properties Of Metals To Repair Activites, Control Operation Of Compressors, Keep Equipment Service Records, Operate Electronic Calibration Devices, Operate Sheet Metal Fabrication Machines, Prepare/Paint Autos, Read Vehicle Manufacturers Specifications, Recognize Characteristics Of Metals, Select Auto Body Repair Method, Use Hand Tools

References
California Occupational Guide #68

Related Occupations: Automobile Mechanics, Automobile Service Advisors

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)