Learn how to become an automotive 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. These are the basics. A high school diploma or GED is required. Many vocational schools only require a high-school diploma. Some may require SAT/ACT scores. High schools even offer programs in auto body repair.
Career outlook
Auto body technicians are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be nearly 16,000 jobs for collision repair technicians in 2029. This is largely due to the aging baby boomers. Although this growth is not driven entirely by new jobs, auto body technicians who hold certifications will have a better outlook on their future. Auto body technicians should expect to find high-paying jobs after graduation and opportunities for growth.
The auto industry is changing rapidly, so careers in this sector are always evolving. To keep up with changing technologies, technicians must be skilled. Students who finish their training will be exposed the latest cars and jobs. Students will be exposed to a wide range of exciting and challenging jobs as they progress through their training.
Education required
To attend an accredited vocational college, a secondary education diploma is 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 offer opportunities to visit repair shops and apprentices. These experiences can make it easier to transition to a career in auto body tech. No matter your specialty, you need to have strong communication and analytical abilities.
A college degree is not required to become an autobody technician in most cases. About 45% hold a high-school diploma or GED. Those with some college education, however, may prefer to complete an auto body technician training program. The time required to complete the program depends 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.
Job duties
An auto body technician's job entails more than just basic car repairs. They also have to maintain and repair the vehicle. They must also be able to operate with exceptional manual dexterity, and they must follow OSHA/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. After all, it is the customer's car that they're working on!
The technician can also apply layers of fiberglass matting to repair areas. They also use power shears and templates for cutting openings for custom-made windows. To secure windows and other metal trim, they use caulking guns and adhesive brushes. Likewise, they use mallets to install vinyl material on the roof of the car. To cut vinyl material for the roof, they use hand shears.
Salary
Salary for Auto Body Technie depends on your experience level, the location, and the skills set. BLS gives data about the salary level for this occupation based on complexity, contacts, knowledge, environment, and other factors. The annual salary of Auto Body Technicians in the United States averages around $30,000 It is usually higher in New York City and California. We'll show you how to calculate the exact salary for this job in the table below.
Auto Body Technicians are paid a varied amount depending on their location and state. New York is the state that pays 12.2% less than the national median. It is also the highest-paying. A range of salaries for Auto Body Technicians can vary depending upon the work type, their experience, and where they live. It's important that you consider the cost for living in the location where you wish to live.
FAQ
What does it take for a mechanic to be a good one?
To become a skilled mechanic, you need years of experience and practice. Working under the guidance of a professional mechanic is the best way to learn how repair cars.
You will have to spend time in a garage learning about cars and mechanics. Mechanical engineering books will be required to learn about mechanics and design.
Furthermore, you'll need to enroll in auto school.
It's crucial to start as soon as possible. It doesn't matter if you're old or not to study automotive technology. Start studying automotive technology now to become a mechanic.
Does it matter what college I go to?
Not really. There are no differences between colleges when it comes to getting into the automotive industry. Some schools have better programs than others, so you might want to look elsewhere if your goal is something more specialized.
What is the best career for an automotive mechanic?
Automotive is an exciting industry filled with opportunities for people who are committed to excellence. The best way to succeed in this field is by working hard and learning as much as possible from others.
Excellent communication skills are essential as you will spend most of the time speaking to customers or other employees. It's important to be flexible and willing to travel. This will make commutes difficult.
Take classes at community colleges or universities if you're interested to work in automotive. Many schools offer programs specifically designed for students interested in auto repair, sales, or customer service.
Mechanical engineering should be your first choice for a degree. It is possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in only four years.
Many companies will hire students straight out of college. You should start looking for employment as soon as you are able to continue your studies part-time.
After you have completed your education, you will likely need some training to be able to work as an automotive technician.
This means that you will need to pass tests such as the Automotive Excellence (ASE) certification exam. This exam covers topics such as engine maintenance, brakes and suspension.
After passing the ASE exam, you can apply for a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence license.
You can repair vehicles owned by private citizens with a license. You'll get compensation based on the amount of services you perform.
Not all states require licensing. A license is required if you plan on working outside of your home state.
Some states will not issue licenses until an individual has completed certain training. If this applies to you, then you may need to find another option.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
External Links
How To
How to properly diagnose your car for repair
To determine if your car needs repairs, you should first look at the symptoms that your car presents. You can then follow these steps for a proper diagnosis of your vehicle.
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Check engine lights. Make sure to check all dashboard indicators like the engine light indicator (oil pressure gauge), the battery indicator (battery light indicator), and the RPM indicator (rpm gauge). If any of them have been flashing for several days, it may mean something is wrong with your vehicle.
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Inspect the tire treads. Tire wear can lead to problems in handling and brake performance. Also, inspect the treads of your wheels. They should look clean and be smooth. To do this, remove the wheels and take them out. Check the tread condition with a flashlight.
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Pay attention to the level of your brake fluid. You must keep track on the level of brake fluid in your vehicle. This will ensure that your brakes run smoothly. Low brake fluid levels could cause your brakes to fail when you apply pressure.
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The suspension system should be tested. Vehicles usually have a suspension system that helps absorb shocks and vibrations while driving. This suspension system provides greater control and smoother acceleration and deceleration. You might notice a wobbly feeling or uncontrollable shaking in your vehicle if it has a problem with its suspension. If you are unsure if your vehicle is suffering from a suspension problem, put weight on the front and rear axles to check the movement.
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Examine the steering wheel. Steering columns are used to connect the steering wheel to the rest of the vehicle's components. Sometimes, steering columns are damaged by accidents. It is recommended to replace any steering column that feels loose, or shakey.
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Observe the exhaust pipes. The exhaust pipes are responsible for moving gases from the combustion chamber into the atmosphere. Exhaust pipes that are cracked or leaking can allow harmful fumes to enter your cabin. You should also fix any bent tailpipes immediately.
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Look under your hood. Look underneath your hood to see if anything looks strange. You could have fluids leaking from the engine. Also, professional technicians should be called if you detect an unusual smell coming out of your engine compartment.
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Check the air filter. The outside environment collects dust and other particles in the vehicle's filter. Vehicles that have a dirty air filter will not run well. Replace your air filter regularly.
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Make sure you check the fan belt. The fan belt is the link between the engine and the transmission. The engine will not turn if the fan belt breaks. It's easy to replace the belt. All you need are a screwdriver & pliers.
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Verify the radiator hoses. The radiator hose carries water from the radiator to the engine. It can become cracked or damaged and leak hot liquid onto your engine. To repair the leaky hose, all you need is a pair if needle-nosepliers.
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You should inspect the windshield wipers. Windshield wipers use electricity to clean away snow and rain. They can leave streaks on your windows glass if they stop working. To fix the problem, simply change the washer fluid.
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You should inspect the cables. Batteries provide power to electrical systems inside your car. Always disconnect the negative wire before you replace batteries. Failure to do so can damage your alternator.
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You should check the headlights. Headlights are used to illuminate the road ahead. Bad visibility can be caused by headlights that don't work correctly. You can check the bulbs to make sure they aren't burned out.
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Be sure to check the lights. When you approach them at night, the lights warn other drivers. If one doesn't work, it could distract you and lead to an accident.
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Check the brakes. Before you get in a car accident, your brakes will be slowing down your vehicle. You may lose control of your vehicle and crash if the brakes don't function properly.
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Make sure to change the oil. Keep your engine lubricated with oil. It helps keep metal parts from getting too worn down. It is recommended to change the oil once a month.