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Auto Body Repairers fix damaged bodies and body parts of automotive vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, buses, campers, and trailers.

JOB DUTIES

Auto Body Repairers may:

Estimate the cost of a repair job

Pound out small dents with a hammer, pick hammer, or punch

Straighten bent or twisted frames

Weld metal parts

Remove parts to gain access to vehicle body and fenders

Remove, repair, or replace fenders, doors, or other body parts

Fill damaged areas with solder or plastic body fillers

File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces

Refinish with a primer coat, sand and paint with a finish coat

Aim headlights and align wheels

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Auto Body Repairers may specialize in these areas:

807.381-010 AUTOMOBILE BODY REPAIRERS fix damaged fenders and bodies on cars, trucks, buses, campers, and trailers.

807.381-030 FIBERGLASS AUTO-BODY REPAIRERS have expertise in making a wide variety of repairs on vehicle bodies made of certain materials, as in this case, fiberglass.

845.381-014 AUTOMOTIVE PAINTERS repaint auto surfaces with a color matched paint after the damaged area has been repaired. They remove paint, treat surfaces, mask and cover areas, position stencils for designs or lettering, mix paints, and use spray guns.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Auto Body Repairers usually work indoors in well ventilated but often dusty shops. Repairers are exposed to a great deal of noise from hammers and power tools. There is usually an odor from painting and fumes from soldering, painting, and welding.

Auto Body Repairers often work in cramped, physically uncomfortable positions in order to reach the damaged parts of vehicle bodies. They may receive cuts from broken glass and sharp metal edges, burns from torches and hot metal, and injuries from power tools. Auto body repair work also involves getting greasy and dirty.

In Michigan, the average workweek is 40-48 hours. Usually hours of work are from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. with frequent overtime. This occupation is typically stable and days without available work are rare. However, hours may be cut back when business is slow.

Auto Body Repairers must purchase hand tools, but employers usually supply power tools. Hand tools can range from $200 to $2,500 for a complete set.

Some Auto Body Repairers belong to unions and pay monthly union dues. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is a union that represents Auto Body Repairers in Michigan.

You Should Prefer:

• Fixing and repairing objects

• Being indoors all day

You Should Be Able To:

• See details in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

• Look at flat drawings & visualize how they would look as solid

objects

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Rate information using standards that can be checked

• Work with a minimum amount of supervision

• Do math problems well enough to figure cost-time estimates

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What gauge wire should be used in an extension cable 50 ft long, when the current is 5 amperes?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

To prevent internal stresses in metal frame straightening, heat should be limited to parts that are not severely bent. If heat is needed to straighten a frame member, the temperature should be kept below 1200øF. Excessive heat may weaken the metal and cause permanent damage. This is particularly true in the case of heat treated members.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written estimate for a body repair job at the request of a potential customer.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing and repairing automobile bodies.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school); an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

042 AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Automotive Body Repair prepare students to repair or replace fenders and other body parts of automobiles. Instruction includes body preparation for painting and finishing.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

058 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Transportation Services & Technology provide instruction in both foundation skills and occupationally specific skills. Upon completion of a core curriculum, students select one of 5 job titles to study: Automotive technician trainee, auto body technician trainee, diesel technician trainee, small engine technician trainee, or aircraft technician trainee.

Courses in other trade & industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

141 AUTO BODY REPAIR

Programs in Auto Body Repair provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment repairing damaged bodies and body parts of automotive vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, and trailers. Similar opportunities are identified in the MOIS Automotive Technology Postsecondary Program #16.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

                 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

004 AUTO BODY REPAIRER

Some people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

AUTOMOTIVE AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS

Keeping automotive and heavy equipment in good working condition is vital to the success of military missions. Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair vehicles such as jeeps, cars, trucks, tanks, self-propelled missile launchers, and other combat vehicles. They also repair bulldozers, power shovels, and other construction equipment.

What They Do

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Troubleshoot problems in vehicle engines, electrical systems, steering, brakes, and suspensions

• Tune and repair engines

• Replace or repair damaged body parts, hydraulic arms or shovels, and grader blades

• Establish and follow schedules for maintaining vehicles

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 29 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Engine repair and tune-up

• Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems

• Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiators

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Special Requirements

Although some women are automotive and heavy equipment mechanics, some specialties in this occupation are open only to men.

Work Environment

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.

Physical Demands

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may have to lift heavy parts and tools. They sometimes have to work in cramped positions. Normal color vision is required for some specialties to work with color-coded wiring and to read diagrams.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include auto mechanics and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

• Preference for physical work

• Interest in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems

• Interest in automotive engines and how they work

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may work for service stations, auto and construction equipment dealers, farm equipment companies, and state highway agencies. They perform duties similar to military automotive and heavy equipment mechanics. They may also be called garage mechanics, carburetor mechanics, transmission mechanics, radiator mechanics, construction equipment mechanics, or endless track vehicle mechanics.

Opportunities

The services have about 54,775 automotive and heavy equipment mechanics. On average, they need about 6,450 new mechanics each year. After job training, mechanics begin repairing equipment under the direction of a supervisor. In time, they have the opportunity to supervise other workers and possibly manage repair shops, motor pools, or maintenance units.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Part-time jobs may be available as an assistant or helper in auto body repair shops. Secondary vocational education programs and postsecondary programs in auto body repair may offer co-op, internship, or other related work experience opportunities. Related experience can also be obtained in the military services or through a formal apprenticeship program.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Auto Body Repairer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Auto Body Repairers employer

community service work with an agency

Many Auto Body Repairers enter this occupation through apprenticeship programs. Others receive three or four years of on-the-job training as helpers. Application may be made directly to auto body repair shops. Newspaper want ads and school placement offices also may be helpful. You should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM  

You should enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings depend on the size, type, and location of the employer and on the individual skill of the worker. Auto body helpers and trainees generally receive a straight hourly wage. Experienced Auto Body Repairers may be paid an hourly wage, commissions on the work they do, or a combination of both.

Nationally, the median weekly wage earned by Auto Body Repairers in 1998 was $510, which is about $12.75 per hour, based on a 40-hour work week.

In the East North Central region, which includes Michigan, dealerships paid the average Auto Body Repairer $37,945 per year or $18.24 per hour in late 1998. Highly experienced technicians could earn more. Nonunion Repairers usually earned less per hour.

Most Auto Body Repairers working for auto manufacturing companies had an hourly wage (1999) ranging from $19.95 to $23.48. These Auto Body Repairers and painters earned an additional amount per hour for a cost-of-living allowance.

The hourly wage in 1999 of Auto Body Repairers employed by the State of Michigan ranged from $12.94 to $19.49.

The 1996 graduates of high school vocational education programs who are working in jobs related to Auto Body Repair earned a beginning average of $9.50 per hour in 1998.

Fringe benefits vary with the employer. In small auto repair and collision shops, benefits may not be available. Individuals working in larger repair shops, fleet garages, and auto dealerships may receive life, accident, disability, dental, and hospitalization insurance; paid vacations and holidays; paid sick leave; pension plans; and uniforms.

In larger shops, Auto Body Repairers may be promoted to estimator or body shop supervisor. In a small shop, there is usually little chance for promotion or advancement. Some own their own shops.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 239,100 Auto Body Repairers and Automotive Painters employed nationally in 1996. Employment of Auto Body Repairers and Painters is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Auto Body Repairers and Automotive Painters looked like this:

Employment is expected to grow as a result of the rising number of motor vehicles damaged in traffic. Accidents are expected to increase as the number of motor vehicles grows, even though improved highways, driver training courses, and safety features on new vehicles may slow the rate of increase.

There are approximately 9,525 Auto Body Repairers and Automobile Painters employed in Michigan. More than a third worked in auto repair shops. Most Auto Body Repairers worked in or near metropolitan areas and large cities. Others worked in auto manufacturing, dealerships and government agencies.

Employment of Auto Body Repairers in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005, while the employment of Automotive Painters is expected to decline. An average of 380 annual openings is expected, with 130 due to growth and 250 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

As the driving age population increases and the number of 2 car families increases, the number of vehicles on the road and consequently the number of accidents, will increase. Because new cars are also costly, people are keeping cars longer and having them repaired. These trends will spur the demand for Auto Body Repairers.

Most people who become Auto Body Repairers can expect steady work since the auto repair business is not usually affected by changes in the economy.

The recent surge in new car sales in Michigan may account for the recent slower growth rate in this occupation.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Auto Body Repairer can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development