Duties

• When a car arrives at an auto body shop following a collision, technicians inspect the damage to determine what repairs are necessary. After developing a plan, technicians use specialized computer estimating software to develop a detailed list of necessary repairs and their associated costs. These estimates are then delivered to vehicle owners and their insurance companies. Once technicians receive approval to complete repairs, they use tools like cutters, shears, pullers and pneumatic hammers, explains the Occupational Information Network. Technicians then apply new paint as needed.
  
  

Education

• The minimum education necessary to work as an automotive body technician is a high school diploma or GED. Employers might hire individuals with no other formal training to work as helpers to accomplished technicians. Helpers perform basic tasks like cleaning and passing tools, gradually receiving increased responsibilities. Typically, three to four years of training are necessary to become competent as a technician, according to the BLS. Some technicians attend formal postsecondary certificate, diploma or associate's degree programs at vocational-technical schools or community colleges. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation accredits such programs, which require six months to two years of study to complete.
  
  

Features

• Collision repair technicians work in an auto body shops or own a shop of their own so that they are self-employed. Depending on the hours of their shops, technicians sometimes work evening and weekend shifts. The majority of workers in the field are full-time employees with 40-hour work schedules, explains the BLS. Technicians have the option to pursue voluntary designation as a certified collision repair and refinishing technician from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. To qualify for this certification, workers must meet educational and work experience requirements and pass an examination.
  
  

Salary

• Collision repair workers earned an average of $19.72 per hour and $41,020 per year as of May 2009, reports the BLS. The lowest-paid 10 percent of technicians made $23,140 or less annually; the highest-paid enjoyed yearly salaries of $63,980 or more. While in training, technicians usually receive hourly wages that are 30 to 60 percent of what their fully trained peers make. Accomplished technicians often receive bonuses for completing work in a timely manner and for performing advanced repairs.