As a result, persons seeking to enter this occupation may face increased competition for jobs during recessions. Average earnings generally were highest in the South and lowest in the Northeast. Helpers and trainees usually earn from 30 to 60 percent of the earning of skilled workers. The majority of body repairers employed by automotive dealers and repair shops are paid on an incentive basis. Under this method, body repairers are paid a predetermined amount for various tasks, and earnings depend on the amount of work assigned to the repairer and how fast it is completed.
Employers frequently guarantee commissioned workers a minimum weekly salary.
Helpers and trainees usually receive an hourly rate until they are skilled enough to work on commission. Body repairers who work for trucking companies, buslines, and other organizations that maintain their own vehicles usually receive an hourly wage. Most body repairers who are union members work for large automobile dealers, trucking companies, and buslines. Related Occupations Repairing damaged motor vehicles often involves working on their mechanical components as well as their bodies. The State employment service also is a source of information about training programs.