How Much Do Auto Body Technicians Make an Hour?
Looking for a career as an auto body technician and need to determine the hourly potential for this profession? Here’s the guide to clarify all your doubts about the income of auto body technicians, their career path, and how you can join the profession.
The job of an auto body technician is much more than just fixing dents and scratches. They are skilled professionals who use their knowledge of automotive construction, materials, and repair techniques to restore damaged vehicles to their original condition. Auto body technicians work with a variety of tools and equipment, including welding torches, spray guns, and frame machines. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints and schematics, and they must have a good understanding of automotive mechanics.
Auto Body Technician Salary: Hourly Rates and Wage Structure
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for auto body technicians was $48,600 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half of the workers in a given occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,740.
The hourly wage for auto body technicians varies depending on their experience, skills, and location. Entry-level technicians typically earn between $12 and $15 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $30 or more per hour. Technicians who work in areas with a high cost of living or who specialize in a particular type of repair, such as collision repair or painting, can also earn higher wages.
Factors Affecting Auto Body Technician Salary
Several factors can affect an auto body technician’s salary, including:
- Experience: Auto body technicians with more experience typically earn higher wages than those with less experience.
- Skills: Auto body technicians who have specialized skills, such as collision repair or painting, can earn higher wages than those who do not have these skills.
- Location: Auto body technicians who work in areas with a high cost of living typically earn higher wages than those who work in areas with a low cost of living.
- Employer: Auto body technicians who work for large employers, such as dealerships or collision repair centers, typically earn higher wages than those who work for small employers.
- Unionization: Auto body technicians who are members of a union typically earn higher wages than those who are not members of a union.
Job Outlook for Auto Body Technicians
The job outlook for auto body technicians is expected to be good over the next few years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of auto body technicians will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the increasing complexity of vehicles.
Tips for Increasing Your Auto Body Technician Salary
If you are an auto body technician looking to increase your salary, there are a few things you can do:
- Gain experience: The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers.
- Develop specialized skills: Auto body technicians who have specialized skills, such as collision repair or painting, can earn higher wages than those who do not have these skills.
- Get certified: There are several certification programs available for auto body technicians. Getting certified can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers and help you earn a higher wage.
- Network with other auto body technicians: Networking with other auto body technicians can help you learn about job openings and career opportunities.
- Join a union: Auto body technicians who are members of a union typically earn higher wages than those who are not members of a union.
FAQs About Auto Body Technician Salaries
- Q: What is the average salary for an auto body technician?
- A: The median annual salary for auto body technicians was $48,600 in May 2021.
- Q: What are the factors that affect an auto body technician’s salary?
- A: The factors that affect an auto body technician’s salary include experience, skills, location, employer, and unionization.
- Q: What are the job prospects for auto body technicians?
- A: The job outlook for auto body technicians is expected to be good over the next few years.
- Q: How can I increase my auto body technician salary?
- A: You can increase your auto body technician salary by gaining experience, developing specialized skills, becoming certified, networking with other auto body technicians, and joining a union.
Conclusion
If you are interested in a career as an auto body technician, there are several things you can do to increase your earning potential. By gaining experience, developing specialized skills, and getting certified, you can position yourself for a higher salary. Additionally, networking with other auto body technicians and joining a union can help you earn a higher wage.
Are you curious to learn more about auto body technician salaries? Leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
