Automotive Body and Related Repairers

What the job really is

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-3021
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
• Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
• Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
• Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
• Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
• Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
• Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
• Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
• Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
• Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.
• Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.
• Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Accounting software, Accounts receivable software, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Adjustable wrenches, Air chisels, Air compressors, Air hammers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Rail Car Repairers
• Tire Builders
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
• Motorcycle Mechanics

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Automotive Body and Related Repairers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.