Are you interested in learning how to be an auto body technician. Learn more about education requirements, job duties, salaries, and how to get there. This article will explain this rewarding career path. Here are some of the basics. First, you should have a high school diploma or GED. Many vocational schools only require a high-school diploma. Others might require SAT or ACT scores. Some high schools offer auto body repair courses.
Career outlook
There is a high demand for auto body technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there will be approximately 16,000 job openings in collision repair technicians by 2029. The reason for this is the aging population of baby boomers. However, the growth is not driven primarily by new jobs. Certified auto body technicians will have a better job outlook. After graduation, auto body technicians should expect to find good jobs, with plenty of room for career growth.
Auto industry careers are constantly changing. The field demands skilled technicians who are able to keep up to date with new technologies. Students who successfully complete their training will have access to the most up-to-date cars and latest jobs in repair. This means that they'll face different challenges in their careers, but will have a variety of exciting and challenging opportunities to draw upon as they go through their work.
Education required
An accredited vocational school will usually require a secondary school diploma. 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 can arrange visits for students to automotive dealerships or apprentices in repair shops. These experiences can help ease the transition into an autobody technician career. You will need strong communication skills and analytical skills, regardless of what area you are interested in.
You don't need to have a college degree in order to become an auto body technician. A majority of these professionals actually have a highschool diploma or GED. Those with some college education, however, may prefer to complete an auto body technician training program. The length of the program will vary depending on which school you choose. It can take between six months and one year, depending on what school you go to. You may be eligible for training even if you don't have a college diploma.
Doing job
Besides the basic car repair skills, job duties of an auto body technician also include repairing and maintaining the vehicle in good condition. They must also be able to operate with exceptional manual dexterity, and they must follow OSHA/ASE standards. They must follow all specifications provided by the manufacturer. This job requires that they pay great attention to detail. They are working on the car of the customer!
In addition to the repair work, the auto body technician will also apply fiberglass matting layers to the areas that require repairs. They can also make custom-made windows by using power shears or templates. To secure windows and other metal trim, they use caulking guns and adhesive brushes. To install vinyl material onto the car's roof, they also use mallets. They use hand shears for measuring and cutting the vinyl material.
Salary
The Salary for Auto Body Technician is highly dependent on experience level, location and the skill set required. BLS data provides information on the level of compensation for this job based upon complexity, contacts, knowledge and environment. In the United States, the salary for Auto Body Technicians averages $30,000 per annum. It is higher in places such as California and New York. We'll show you how to calculate the exact salary for this job in the table below.
The total compensation of an Auto Body Technician varies widely by state and location. The best-paying state is New York, which pays 12.2% above the national average. Depending on the type of work, the location, and experience level of an Auto Body Technician, the salary can range anywhere from $18,500 to $101,000 a year. However, it's important to consider the cost of living in the area where you want to live.
FAQ
Is it hard to be a mechanic apprentice?
It's not easy, but you learn fast, and there are many opportunities for advancement.
You must have patience and perseverance. You will also need to be able fix cars, trucks and motorcycles.
There is a lot of pressure from customers and family members who want you to succeed. But, you shouldn’t be pressured to make any decisions you aren’t happy with.
If you like fixing cars, this could be a great career option. It's a job where you can earn a decent salary and build up your business.
Perhaps you prefer a different route. This is where you might be interested in becoming a technician.
This is where you use your technical skills to support other workers. This could be a way to help technicians with their problems or to teach them new techniques.
Another option is becoming a service advisor. You will offer assistance and advice to customers when they bring cars to a garage.
It all depends on your goals. There are many choices available and you can choose what suits you best.
What qualifications do you need to be a truck-mechanic?
This job requires you to be a skilled mechanic, although you do not need any formal training. Your knowledge is valuable as you are able to quickly diagnose problems and work efficiently.
You also have an excellent knowledge of diesel technology which will help you to understand what parts are needed to repair our vehicles.
How long does a good mechanic take?
To become a skilled mechanic, you need years of experience and practice. It is best to learn how to fix cars under the supervision and guidance of a professional mechanic.
You will spend time in a workshop learning everything you can about cars. You will need to be familiar with mechanical engineering books about mechanics, car design, and other topics.
And you'll also need to attend auto school.
The most important thing to do is start early. You don't have to wait until you are older to start studying automotive technology. You can get certified as a mechanic by getting started right away!
What's the difference between a mechanic and an automotive technician?
They are both similar, but not identical. An automotive technician maintains cars, while a mechanic repairs them.
A mechanic must possess good manual dexterity, and be able perform simple tasks efficiently. A mechanic should also be able accurately diagnose and repair problems.
An automotive technician must be more technically proficient than a mechanic. They need to be able use tools such drills and wrenches, and read blueprints.
They should be able safely to perform complex procedures. They must be familiar with all types of electrical and engine systems.
They must also be capable of understanding how parts interact.
As a result, a mechanic usually earns less money than an automotive technician. There are many job opportunities in both.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to correctly diagnose your vehicle for repairs
You should first examine the symptoms your car is showing to determine if it requires repairs. These steps will help you diagnose your car properly.
-
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). It could indicate that your vehicle is having problems.
-
Inspect the tire treads. Tires that are worn can cause issues with handling and braking. You should also inspect the wheel treads. They should look clean and be smooth. It is best to take off the wheels and remove them. Check the tread condition with a flashlight.
-
Observe the brake fluid level. You must keep track on the level of brake fluid in your vehicle. You can ensure that your brakes are working properly by monitoring the level of brake fluid in your vehicle. If the brake fluid level is low, your brakes might fail when you apply pressure to them.
-
You should test the suspension system. A suspension system is designed to absorb vibrations and shocks. This suspension system provides greater control and smoother acceleration and deceleration. If your vehicle has a suspension problem, it might feel wobbly or shake uncontrollably. 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.
-
Examine the steering column. Steering columns are used to connect the steering wheel to the rest of the vehicle's components. Sometimes, steering columns are damaged by accidents. If yours feels loose or shaky, you should replace it.
-
Pay close attention to the exhaust tube. The exhaust pipe helps move gases from a combustion chamber into the atmosphere. Exhaust pipes that are cracked or leaking can allow harmful fumes to enter your cabin. It is also important to repair any bends in your tailpipe immediately.
-
Take a look at the underside of your hood. Take a look underneath the hood to find any strange or unusual items. There could be fluid leaking from your engine. You should also contact a professional technician if there is an unusual odor coming from the engine compartment.
-
You should inspect your air filter. The vehicle's outside environment may cause the air filter to collect dust and debris. Your vehicle will run less well if it has a dirty filter. Replace your air filter regularly.
-
Check the fan belt. Your vehicle's fanbel connects the engine and transmission. The engine will not turn if the fan belt breaks. Replacing the belt is simple. You will need a screwdriver, pliers and a pair of pliers.
-
The radiator hose and hoses should be checked. The radiator hose is used to carry water from the radiator to your engine. If the hose becomes damaged or cracked, hot liquid can be emitted onto the engine. To repair the hose, you will only need to use a pair needle-nosepliers and a wire brush.
-
The windshield wipers should be checked. Windshield wipers use electricity to remove snow and rain. If they stop working they could leave streaks behind on your window glass. Simply change the washer oil to fix the problem.
-
Check the battery cables. The battery cables supply power to your car's electrical systems. Before you change batteries, disconnect the positive cable. Failure to do so can damage your alternator.
-
You should check the headlights. The headlights will illuminate the road ahead. They can make it difficult to see if they stop working. Check the bulbs to see if they've burned out.
-
Make sure you have your lights on. You can warn other drivers if you approach them at night. If one doesn't work, it could distract you and lead to an accident.
-
Check your brakes. Before you have a collision, brakes slow down your car. You may lose control of your vehicle and crash if the brakes don't function properly.
-
Make sure to change the oil. Keep your engine lubricated with oil. It prevents metal parts from rusting too quickly. It is recommended to change the oil once a month.