Collision Repair Salary Guide For The United States

Collision repair and refinishing is a dynamic field that offers a variety of opportunities for technicians at different career stages. Whether you're a newcomer looking to break into the industry or an experienced collision repair technician, the more knowledge you have of different makes and models, collision repair best practices, and common vehicle repairs, the more employable you will be. And the more knowledge and experience you have, the more you can earn. The most experienced and well-compensated collision repair technicians can earn more than $80,000 annually¹. But what can you expect when you first enter the field as a collision repair tech and how do you grow in your career?

Check out our comprehensive salary guide to get an overview of the collision repair career field and your likely earning potential.

Collision Repair Tech Salaries: Your Crash Course Guide

The salary range for collision repair technicians in the United States varies widely based on experience, location, specialization, and even the shop you work at. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for automotive collision and related repairers was $48,450 per year, or $23.29 per hour, as of May 2023². However, as an entry-level technician, you may earn $31,000 per year, while as an experienced technician with specialized skills, you might earn upwards of $62,000 per year¹.

To add to your base income as a collision repair technician, you can volunteer for overtime or participate in incentive programs where you get paid based on task work and how fast you're able to complete it. Your skills may also allow you to take on side jobs to supplement your salary.

Where do Collision Repair Technicians Earn the Most?

Where there are more cars, there tend to be more car crashes and more collision repair technicians. Cities and densely populated regions offer higher salaries due to cost of living, demand for services, and regional economic conditions. According to the BLS, among the top-paying states for collision repair technicians are³:

• Maryland - $32.00 per hour or $66,560 per year
• Virginia - $31.94 per hour or $66,420 per year
• Nevada - $29.57 per hour or $61,500 per year
• Rhode Island - $29.47 per hour or $61,300 per year
• District of Columbia - $30.81 per hour or $64,080 per year

What Factors Affect Collision Technician Salaries?

Along with location, the vehicles and types of repairs you perform can affect the amount you make in the collision repair business. While the average car repair is $550, some repairs can exceed $10,000. Specializing in makes like Porsche and Land Rover can help you earn more. Learning how to replace and repair EV batteries, transmissions, and cylinder heads can drive up the price of your services. Some shops offer additional overtime pay, work bonuses, and commission that boost your salary, too.

Where is the Most Demand for Collision Repair Technicians?

Demand for collision repair technicians should remain steady nationwide according to BLS statistics⁴, but some cities and regions show more growth opportunities. A few examples include⁵:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
• Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN
• Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI

What Career Growth is Available for Collision Technicians?

In addition to overtime and commission opportunities, the collision repair industry offers numerous growth opportunities if you're willing to invest in your skills and education. Advancing to a master technician role, obtaining additional certifications, and specializing in high-demand areas such as EV repair or advanced diagnostics can enhance your earning potential and long-term prospects. In time, you may be able to pursue managerial positions or even start your own repair business.

What Skills and Certifications Add to Your Marketability?

Certain skills can boost your marketability and salary level. Knowledge of EVs and hybrids, advanced diagnostic skills, proficiency in repairing high-end or specialized vehicles, and certifications from recognized organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are highly valued⁶. Technicians skilled in the following areas tend to command higher salaries:

• EV and Hybrid Engine Expertise: Expertise on hybrid and electric vehicle systems may help you stand out from other technicians in the marketplace. And if you choose to specialize in EVs, working in states with lots of electric vehicles such as California, Florida, Texas, Washington, and New Jersey can help you find employment.
• Aluminum and Composite Material Repair: Skills in repairing vehicles made from aluminum and composite materials are becoming increasingly valuable.
• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): PDR specialists, particularly those operating in areas prone to hailstorms like the Midwest, can earn more due to the specialized nature of their work.
• Luxury and High-Performance Vehicles: If you specialize in repairing luxury and high-performance vehicles, you may be highly sought after in affluent regions of states such as California, New York, and Florida.
• Heavy-Duty and Commercial Vehicles: If you specialize in heavy-duty and commercial vehicles, you may be in demand in industrial regions and states with significant logistics operations, such as Texas and Illinois.

Where Can You Work as a Collision Technicians?

Collision repair technicians are needed across the country. You can look for positions at auto repair shops, car dealerships, and companies that have auto fleets that require regular maintenance and repair. You may also find work in the broader industry in automotive parts stores. Once you gain enough skills and establish yourself in an area, you may even decide to consider self-employment.

What Are Common Benefits and Perks for Collision Technicians?

In addition to competitive salaries, collision repair technicians often receive various benefits and perks. Some companies offer health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and performance bonuses. Your employer may also provide tuition reimbursement for continuing education and certification courses, tool allowances, and opportunities for career advancement through training programs.

There's a lot for you to consider if you're looking for a job in the automotive repair industry. How much you earn will depend on your skillset, education, and where you want to work. Before you get your training, consider all these factors before you make your decision about where to work.

References:

¹ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Automotive body and glass repairers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm#tab-5 Retrieved July 10, 2024.

² Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024a, April 17). Automotive body and glass repairers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 07/10/2024 from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm#tab-1 Retrieved July 10, 2024.

³ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024a, April 3). Automotive body and related repairers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493021.htm#st:~:text=Top%20paying%20states%20for%20Automotive%20Body%20and%20Related%20Repairers Retrieved July 10, 2024.

⁴ Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024b, April 17). Automotive body and glass repairers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm#tab-6 Retrieved July 10, 2024.

⁵ Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024a, April 3). Automotive body and related repairers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493021.htm#st:~:text=Metropolitan%20areas%20with%20the%20highest%20employment%20level%20in%20Automotive%20Body%20and%20Related%20Repairers%3A Retrieved July 10, 2024.

⁶ Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024c, April 17). Automotive body and glass repairers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm#tab-4 Retrieve July 10, 2024.

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