Learn how to become an automotive body technician. Learn more about the requirements for this job, including education, experience, job duties and salaries. This article will help you learn more about this rewarding career. These are the basics. You will need a high school diploma, or a 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
Auto body technicians are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will almost 16,000 job opportunities for collision repair technicians by 2029. This is due to the aging of the 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 can expect to find great jobs after graduation with lots of career opportunities.
The auto industry is ever-evolving, and careers in this industry are continually changing. The field demands skilled technicians who are able to keep up to date with new technologies. After completing their training, students will have the opportunity to work on the most recent cars and fix them. They will face many challenges as they work, but they will also have an array of challenging and exciting opportunities.
Education required
To attend an accredited vocational college, a secondary education diploma is required. Students who excel academically could consider joining technical club to get a strong customer services background before they pursue their career. Technical clubs may arrange visits to repair shops or apprenticeships. These experiences can make it easier to transition to a career in auto body tech. You will need strong communication skills and analytical skills, regardless of what area you are interested in.
A college degree is not required to become an autobody technician in most cases. About 45% of these professionals have a high school diploma or GED. However, those with some college education may choose to train as an auto body technician. The time required to complete the program depends on the school. Even if your college degree is not required, you might be able to receive the training that you need to land the job of your dreams.
Duties of the 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 also need to follow manufacturer specifications, which can vary from vehicle to vehicle. This job requires attention to detail. They need to be exact in what they do. The customer's car is what they're working with!
An auto body technician applies fiberglass matting layers over damaged areas. They can also use templates and power shears to cut windows that are customized. They use caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and other metal trimming to secure windows. They use mallets to apply vinyl material to the roof. To cut vinyl material for the roof, they use hand shears.
Salary
Salary for an Auto Body Technician will depend on the level of experience, whereabouts and the skills required. BLS provides data regarding the pay scale for this profession, based on complex tasks, contacts and knowledge as well the environment. In the United States, the average salary for Auto Body Technicians in a year is $30,000 It is much higher in New York 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, which pays 12.2% more than average, is the most well-paid state. The annual salary for an Auto Body Technician will vary depending on what type of work they do, where they are located, and how much experience they have. You should also consider the cost per capita in the area where your dream home is located.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanic?
A series of tests is required to be a mechanic. These include:
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A general knowledge test
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A practical exam
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An apprenticeship test
These tests will ensure you are familiar with the fundamental concepts of mechanics and physics before starting to work as a mechanic.
Once you've passed these tests, you'll be eligible to work as a mechanic. You will still need to complete an apprenticeship. This will require you to learn the trade.
You'll need to attend classes and workshops to learn everything you need to know about repairing vehicles. Experienced mechanics will also be required.
For mechanic success, you'll need to be focused and meticulous. Repairs to vehicles require you to pay attention to every detail.
To become a good mechanic, you need patience and persistence. If you don’t love to follow instructions, this may not the right career path.
But if you love cars and enjoy fixing them, you could be very happy in this line of work.
Does it really matter what college I choose?
Non, really. In terms of getting into the auto industry, there is no distinction between colleges. However, some schools offer better programs than others so if you're looking for something more specialized, look elsewhere.
Is being an auto mechanic a promising career choice?
If you are determined to excel, the automotive industry offers many opportunities. The best way to succeed in this field is by working hard and learning as much as possible from others.
Communication skills are important as customers and coworkers will often be your main focus. You must also be willing and able to travel long distances, which can make it difficult to commute.
Consider taking classes at local universities or community colleges if your goal is to pursue a career in the automotive industry. Many schools have programs that are specifically tailored for students who are interested in automotive sales, repair, and customer service.
Mechanical engineering is a good choice if you are interested in pursuing a degree. You can get your bachelor's degree in as little as four years.
In addition, many companies will hire graduates straight out of school. It's a smart idea to begin looking for work while you have the opportunity to study 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 test covers engine maintenance and brakes as well as suspension.
Once you've passed the ASE test, you can apply for a license issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
A license allows you to perform repairs on vehicles owned by private individuals. You will be compensated based on how many services you performed.
It's important to note that 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 is you, you may need another option.
How long does an automotive course take?
A course in automotive lasts three years.
The first year of your training is devoted to theory. You will learn all about cars. The second year is dedicated to practical training, where you will learn how to fix cars, drive them, and do other jobs around the car. The last year is spent at a local shop, where you will get practical experience with real-world problems.
Do I need to have a degree to work as an automotive mechanic? Can I study part time?
Although it's not mandatory, a degree can help. Employers prefer candidates who have completed a full degree. This shows you have put in the work and achieved success.
It doesn't mean that you can't work while you study. Some universities permit students to do coursework during summer holidays and complete their studies later in a year. Others let students take classes part-time throughout the year.
Statistics
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- 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 be an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she can be found at auto shops, garages and service centers. He/she repairs cars, trucks, motorbikes and snowmobiles for customers. An automotive technician must have the ability to quickly diagnose and fix problems.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program, he/she must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. ASE stands in for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists two sections. The first section tests the ability to use mechanical knowledge. The second section tests the ability to apply practical skills. You will need to attend an authorized testing site in order to pass the test. These locations can be found online, or by contacting your local car dealer.
After passing the test, a candidate must pass an examination in order to be licensed as an automotive technician. This process varies depending on where the applicant lives. Some states require candidates to complete a training program, while others let them study on their own. Some states require technicians to be licensed immediately upon receiving their license. Other states wait until they have been employed as automotive technicians for at least six month.
Apply to your local dealership to become an automotive technician. Most new employees begin as apprentices once they are hired. Apprenticeship programs last about three years. This is when a student can learn how to do basic repairs such as changing oil, adjusting brakes and replacing tires. Some students learn how to do advanced repairs, such as installing air filters, replacing shocks, repairing engines, and replacing transmission fluids. Classes are offered by most schools during regular business hours. Some schools offer evening classes, however.
Once a student is done with his/her apprenticeship he/she can become a master journeyman. Journeymen generally spend four- to five decades learning how to fix major systems like transmissions. You will also learn how to repair complicated electrical components, as well as how to remanufacture engines and rebuild transmissions. Employers prefer to hire journeymen as they are familiar with the job and can anticipate customer needs.
After passing the exams, candidates may be eligible to open their own shop if they pass all requirements. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 1.7 million available jobs in the automotive mechanic field in 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that this number would rise by 18% from 2009 to 2020. The candidate should expect to invest thousands of money in equipment and supplies if he/she decides to start his/her shop.
The salary of an automotive technician will depend on many factors including where you live, your education level, experience and the type of employer. A jobless person can expect to make $20,000 per year. A person with only a high-school diploma could make around $21,000 annually. Those with an associate's degree earned approximately $24,000 per year. Technicians with a bachelor’s degree made about $27,000 annually. The average annual salary for those with master's degrees was $32,000. Salary increases are common so professionals who make less than $30,000 a year could realistically expect to earn $40,000 over the next few years.