Are you interested in learning how to be an auto body technician. Learn more about the requirements for this job, including education, experience, job duties and salaries. Learn about this rewarding career path in this article. Here are some basic facts. First, you will need to have either a high-school diploma or GED. A high school diploma is not required by many vocational schools. Others might require SAT or ACT scores. High schools even offer programs in auto body repair.
Career outlook
The demand for auto body technicians is high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will soon be close to 16,000 openings for collision repair techs by 2029. This growth is largely due the aging of baby boomers. The growth in this industry is not due to new jobs. However, certified auto body technicians will see a brighter future. Auto body technicians can expect to find great jobs after graduation with lots of career opportunities.
The auto industry is changing rapidly, so careers in this sector are always evolving. The field demands skilled technicians who are able to keep up to date with new technologies. Students who complete their training will be exposed to the newest cars and the latest repair jobs. This will allow them to face new challenges and provide them with a range of exciting and challenging opportunities throughout their work.
Education necessary
To be admitted to an accredited vocational school, a secondary school diploma will typically be required. To help students excel academically, they might want to join technical clubs. This will allow them to gain a strong customer service background and to pursue a career in engineering. Technical clubs may arrange visits to repair shops or apprenticeships. These experiences can ease your transition to a career as an automotive body technician. Regardless of your preferred area of expertise, you must have strong communication and analytical skills.
In most cases, you do not need a college degree to be an auto body technician. Nearly 45% of these professionals are graduates from high school or have a GED. An auto body technician training program may be a better option for those who have completed some college education. The duration of the training program will vary from six months to one-year depending on the school. If you don't hold a college degree, however, you may still be able get the training you need in order to get the job that you want.
Duties of the job
A technician who works as an auto body technie is responsible for maintaining and repairing vehicles. These technicians must comply with OSHA and ASE standards. They should also adhere to specifications set forth by the manufacturer. Specifications may differ from one vehicle. This job requires attention to detail. They need to be exact in what they do. They are working on the car of the customer!
An auto body technician does more than just repair work. They also apply fiberglass matting layers on the areas that need it. They use power shears and templates to create openings for custom windows. They use adhesive brushes as well as caulking guns to seal windows and other metal trim. The roof is also installed using vinyl material by mallets. Lastly, they use hand shears to measure and cut the vinyl material for the roof.
Salary
Salary for Auto Body Technie is highly dependent upon experience, location, and skill set. BLS provides information about the average compensation level for this career based on complexity of tasks and contacts as well as knowledge and the environment. In the United States, the salary for Auto Body Technicians averages $30,000 per annum. It is much higher in New York and California. The table below will help you determine the exact salary range for this occupation.
The total compensation of an Auto Body Technician varies widely by state and location. New York is the state that pays 12.2% less than the national median. It is also the highest-paying. The annual salary for an Auto Body Technician will vary depending on what type of work they do, where they are located, and how much experience they have. It's important that you consider the cost for living in the location where you wish to live.
FAQ
How long does an automotive course take?
An automotive course lasts for three years.
The first year focuses on theory and learning about cars. The second year is dedicated to practical training, where you will learn how to fix cars, drive them, and do other jobs around the car. The last year is spent at a local shop, where you will get practical experience with real-world problems.
How can I prepare myself for a mechanic apprenticeship
It is vital to be able to comprehend what you are doing. It is important to know the basics of how cars work. This will make it easy to find the right place to start your first day in the garage.
You also need to know how to fix simple problems such as broken lights, tires, etc.
This will teach you how to diagnose problems and fix them yourself.
You'll also need to know how different parts fit together to put them back together again.
Finally, you should be able use tools safely.
All these things will help you to become a competent mechanic.
Can I work as an auto mechanic without a degree? Can I do part-time studies?
It is not essential, but it is helpful. Employers are more likely to hire candidates who have completed a complete degree. It shows that you've worked hard and are determined to succeed.
This doesn't necessarily mean you can't continue to work while studying. Some universities allow students to complete coursework over the summer holidays and finish their studies later in the year. Some universities allow students to take part-time classes throughout the year.
Statistics
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
External Links
How To
How to protect yourself against auto mechanic frauds
Scamming by auto mechanics can be a serious problem. On average, a consumer spends $1500 per year on auto repairs. This means that many people are willing to profit from this situation. However, if you know what to look for, you can avoid becoming a victim. These are some tips that will help you recognize a scammer before he or she takes your money.
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Never pay upfront. You should never pay upfront if someone asks. When work is complete, always request payment. If you're unsure whether something is legitimate, call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at 1-888-322-8138. They'll give you advice on how to proceed.
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Ask for references. You can contact former customers to confirm that you are dealing with a trustworthy service provider. You can also check out online reviews. You should ensure that the business you do business with has a good reputation.
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Do background checks. Background checks are essential for hiring anyone. Check the BBB website to see if there are any complaints against the business. Also, verify that the vehicle's license plate number belongs to the business owner.
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Don't be afraid if you have to leave. Sometimes, even when a business seems legit, they try to trick you into paying too much. If you feel cheated, don't hesitate leaving. There are plenty of other businesses available to you.
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Don't be fooled by "free" services. There are many companies that offer free inspections and estimates. Many of these companies charge exorbitant fees in the future. Before you agree to anything, make sure you ask about any additional fees.
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Avoid being pressured. When a company offers you a great deal, it's because they think they can get away with charging you less than you deserve. You should not be forced to buy anything if you find yourself in this situation.
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High-quality products are what you want. High-quality parts are important when you're looking for a repair place. For instance, if you require new brake pads you should not go to a place that uses low-quality pads. Instead, go to a shop specializing in brakes.
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Get multiple quotes. It's important to compare prices between different shops. Comparing prices between shops will give you a better chance to find a fair price.
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Keep track of everything. Keep records of everything that happens during your repair. This includes receipts, invoices and warranties. Any phone numbers or addresses you receive should be noted.
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