Automotive body technicians usually must receive formal training through a community college or postsecondary vocational school in order to receive the level of training required by most employers. In addition to the formal training, most automotive body technicians also receive on-the-job-training.

Training for automotive body technicians includes learning about the various types of materials used to make vehicles. These materials include a number of metal alloys, aluminum, metal, and plastics.

In addition to receiving training, automotive service technicians can earn certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This certification is voluntary, but is beneficial when looking for employment.

Automotive body technicians are responsible for repairing damaged body sections and metal frames on vehicles by using special equipment. Automotive body technicians may need to clamp frames and other sections of the vehicle to alignment machines in order to utilize hydraulic pressure to align damaged parts. In order to repair vehicles to factory specifications, automotive body technicians must use benchmark systems capable of making accurate measurements and hydraulic machinery to change the vehicle back to the proper shape.

When body sections are badly damaged, automotive body technicians must remove the body panels with the help of a pneumatic metal cutting gun or with other tools. Automotive body technicians must then weld replacement sections into place. If the dents are less severe, automotive body technicians may use hand prying bars and hydraulic jacks in order to knock them out. They must also smooth out the small dents and creases with the help of an anvil. Automotive body technicians may also use punches and pick hammers to remove small pits or dimples from the body of the vehicle.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for automotive body technicians are expected to grow about as fast as the average occupation as new technicians are needed to replace those that retire from the industry. The Bureau reports that the median hourly wage of automotive body technicians in 2004 was $16.68.

Take the next step. Find schools with Auto Body Tech programs!