### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Automotive Body and Glass Repairers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			automotive body and glass repairers imageAutomotive body repairers restore automobile frames to factory specifications.							
						Quick Facts:     Automotive Body and Glass Repairers2023     Median Pay
            						$48,450     per year
										$23.29     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    175,200Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    2,300What Automotive Body and Glass Repairers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Automotive body repairers work indoors in body shops, which are often noisy. Shops are typically well ventilated, so that dust and paint fumes can be dispersed. Repairers sometimes work in awkward and cramped positions, and their work can be physically demanding.
Automotive glass installers and repairers often travel to the customer’s location to repair damaged windshields and window glass.
            
                                                How to Become an Automotive Body or Glass Repairer
                                                
                        
Most employers prefer to hire automotive body and glass repairers who have completed a training program in automotive body or glass repair. Still, many new automotive body and glass repairers begin work without previous training. Industry certification is becoming increasingly important.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers was $48,740 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for automotive glass installers and repairers was $45,320 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of automotive body and glass repairers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 15,100 openings for automotive body and glass repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for automotive body and glass repairers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive body and glass repairers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about automotive body and glass repairers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Automotive Body and Glass Repairers Do 
            

			automotive body and glass repairers imageAutomotive body and glass repairers inspect car frames for structural damage.			
Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.
Duties
Automotive body repairers typically do the following:
Review damage reports, prepare cost estimates, and plan work
Inspect cars for structural damage
Remove damaged body parts, including bumpers, fenders, hoods, grilles, and trim
Realign car frames and chassis to repair structural damage
Hammer out or patch dents, dimples, and other minor body damage
Fit, attach, and weld replacement parts into place
Sand, buff, and prime refurbished and repaired surfaces
Apply new finish to restored body partsAutomotive glass installers and repairers typically do the following:
Examine damaged glass or windshields and assess repairability
Clean damaged areas and prepare the surfaces for repair
Stabilize chips and cracks with clear resin
Remove glass that cannot be repaired
Check windshield frames for rust
Clean windshield frames and prepare them for installation
Apply urethane sealant to the windshield frames
Install replacement glass
Replace any parts removed prior to repairsAutomotive body and glass repairers can repair most damage from vehicle collisions and make vehicles look and drive like new. Repairs may be minor, such as replacing a cracked windshield, or major, such as replacing an entire door panel. After a major collision, the underlying frame of a car can become weakened or compromised. Body repairers restore the structural integrity of car frames to manufacturer specifications.
Body repairers use pneumatic tools and plasma cutters to remove damaged parts, such as bumpers and door panels. They also often use heavy-duty hydraulic jacks and hammers for major structural repairs, such as aligning the body. For some work, they use common hand tools, such as metal files, pliers, wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers.
In some cases, body repairers complete an entire job by themselves. In other cases, especially in large shops, they use an assembly line approach in which they work as a team with each individual performing a specialized task.
Although body repairers sometimes prime and paint repaired parts, painting and coating workers generally perform these tasks.
Glass installers and repairers often travel to the customer’s location and perform their work in the field. They commonly use specialized tools such as vacuum pumps to fill windshield cracks and chips with a stabilizing resin. When windshields are badly damaged, they use knives to remove the damaged windshield, and then they secure the new windshield using a special urethane adhesive.
 Work Environment
			Automotive body and glass repairersAutomotive body repairers typically work indoors in body shops.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Automotive body and related repairers held about 153,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of automotive body and related repairers were as follows:
        Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair
                61%Automobile dealers
                16Self-employed workers
                8Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance
                7Automotive glass installers and repairers held about 21,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of automotive glass installers and repairers were as follows:
        Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair
                66%Self-employed workers
                19Construction
                3Body repairers typically work indoors in body shops, which are often noisy. Most shops are well ventilated, so that dust and paint fumes can be dispersed. Glass installers and repairers often travel to the customer’s location to repair damaged windshields and window glass.
Automotive body and glass repairers sometimes work in awkward and cramped positions, and their work can be physically demanding.
Work Schedules
Most automotive body and glass repairers work full time. When shops have to complete a backlog of work, overtime is common. This often includes working evenings and weekends.
 How to Become an Automotive Body or Glass Repairer

			automotive body and glass repairers imageAutomotive glass repairers receive hands-on practice while attending programs in collision repair.			
Most employers prefer to hire automotive body and glass repairers who have completed a training program in automotive body or glass repair. Still, many new body and glass repairers begin work without previous training. Industry certification is increasingly important.
Education
High school, trade and technical school, and community college programs in collision repair combine hands-on practice and technical instruction. Topics usually include electronics, repair cost estimation, and welding, all of which provide a strong educational foundation for a career as a body repairer.
Trade and technical school programs typically award certificates after 6 months to 1 year of study. Some community colleges offer 2-year programs in collision repair. Many of these schools also offer certificates for individual courses, so students can take classes part time or as needed.
Training
New workers typically begin their on-the-job training by helping an experienced body repairer with basic tasks, such as fixing minor dents. As they gain experience, they move on to more complex work, such as aligning car frames. Some body repairers may become trained in as little as 1 year, but they generally need 2 or 3 years of hands-on training to become fully independent body repairers.
Basic automotive glass installation and repair can be learned in as little as 6 months, but becoming fully independent can take up to a year of training.
Workers who complete programs in collision repair often require significantly less on-the-job training. They typically advance to independent work more quickly than those who do not have the same level of education.
Throughout their careers, body repairers need to continue their training to keep up with rapidly changing automotive technology and materials. Body repairers are expected to develop their skills by reading technical manuals and by attending classes and seminars. Many employers regularly send workers to advanced training programs, such as those offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Although not required, certification is recommended because it shows competence and usually brings higher pay. In some instances it is required for advancement beyond entry-level work.
Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a standard credential for body repairers. In addition, many vehicle and paint manufacturers have product certification programs that are used to train body repairers in specific technologies and repair methods.
A few states require a license to perform automotive glass installation and repair. Check with your state for more information.
Advancement
Automotive body and glass repairers earn more money as they gain experience, and some may advance into management positions within body shops, especially those workers with 2- or 4-year degrees.
Important Qualities
***Critical-thinking skills*.** Automotive body and glass repairers evaluate vehicle damage and determine necessary repair strategies. In some cases, they must decide if a vehicle is “totaled,” or too damaged to justify the cost of repair.
***Customer-service skills*.** Automotive body and glass repairers discuss auto body and glass problems, along with options to fix them, with customers. Workers must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions.
***Detail oriented*.** Automotive body and glass repairers must pay close attention to detail. Restoring a damaged auto body or windshield requires workers to have a keen eye for even the smallest imperfection.
***Dexterity*.** Automotive body repairers’ tasks, such as removing door panels, hammering out dents, and using hand tools to install parts, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.
***Mechanical skills*.** Automotive body repairers must know which diagnostic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other power equipment and tools are appropriate for certain procedures and repairs. They must know how to apply the correct techniques and methods necessary to repair automobiles.
***Physical strength.*** Automotive body and glass repairers must sometimes lift heavy parts, such as door panels and windshields.
***Time-management skills.*** Automotive body and glass repairers must be timely in their repairs. For many people, their automobile is their primary mode of transportation.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Automotive Body and Glass RepairersMedian annual wages, May 2023Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers$50,790  Automotive body and related repairers$48,740  Automotive body and glass repairers$48,450  Total, all occupations$48,060  Automotive glass installers and repairers$45,320Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers was $48,740 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,250, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $80,380.The median annual wage for automotive glass installers and repairers was $45,320 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,370, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $62,000.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for automotive body and related repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair
                $49,060Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance
                48,840Automobile dealers
                47,540In May 2023, the median annual wages for automotive glass installers and repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Construction
                $48,840Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair
                45,490The majority of repair shops and auto dealers pay automotive body and glass repairers on an incentive basis. In addition to receiving a guaranteed base salary, employers pay workers a set amount for completing various tasks. Their earnings depend on both the amount of work assigned and how fast they complete it.
Most automotive body and glass repairers work full time. When shops have to complete a backlog of work, overtime is common. This often includes working evenings and weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                      Automotive Body and Glass RepairersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers2%  Automotive glass installers and repairers2%  Automotive body and related repairers1%  Automotive body and glass repairers1%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of automotive body and glass repairers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 15,100 openings for automotive body and glass repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
New vehicles are getting safer, which will help reduce car accidents and, in turn, the need for repairs. Older vehicles, which may have fewer modern safety features, will continue to need repairs and create demand for these workers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     automotive body and glass repairers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Automotive body and glass repairers**
			—
			175,200
			177,400
			1
			2,300
			—**Automotive body and related repairers**
			49-3021
			153,300
			155,200
			1
			1,900
			Get data**Automotive glass installers and repairers**
			49-3022
			21,900
			22,200
			2
			400
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Automotive body and related repairers
					Automotive glass installers and repairers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of automotive body and glass repairers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians**
            Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.
            See How to Become One
            $75,400**Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $47,770**Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators**
            Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims.
            See How to Become One
            $75,020**Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,970**Glaziers**
            Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $51,100**Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians**
            Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,000**Painting and Coating Workers**
            Painting and coating workers apply finishes, often using machines, to a range of products.
            See How to Become One
            $45,340
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about careers in automotive body and glass repair, visit
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
National Glass Association
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Society of Collision Repair Specialists
CareerOneStop
For a career video on automotive glass installers and repairers, visit
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Automotive Body and Related RepairersAutomotive Glass Installers and Repairers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Body and Glass Repairers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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