Automotive Collision Repair Technician

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Career Information

Employment opportunities
A nationwide shortage of top-notch technicians has resulted in immediate employment opportunities for both men and women, and more women enter this field each year.
With your skills and training, you can find immediate employment at privately owned collision repair facilities, new and used car dealers, franchised repair centers, or within the new vehicle manufacturing industry.

Job outlook
In Illinois alone, there are more than 400,000 vehicle collisions each year. According to the Automotive Service Association, this $30 billion per year industry is not affected by downswings in the economy and will continue to provide steady work.
As replacement costs increase for today's high-tech automobiles, and the skills needed to repair them become more and more technical, automotive collision repair will continue to be a profitable and stable career.

Earning potential
The average salary for an auto collision repair technician is higher than for many other skilled trades, with a national median annual salary of $34,81, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Top-notch technicians can earn $50,000 and above.

Career advancement
If you have good leadership and communication skills, you can become a team leader, shop manager, production foreman, parts manager, or estimator. You can specialize in some segment of auto repair or move into related industries such as insurance or equipment and supply sales. You might even be able to start your own business.

Career choices with your certificate or degree:
• Automotive customizing specialist
• Body and frame repair specialist
• Detailing specialist
• Engine and suspension specialist
• Glass installer
• Older vehicle restoration specialist
• Paint preparer
• Painter
• Parts manager

With experience and/or further education you may go on to:
• Autobody product sales
• Body shop manager
• Customer service manager/estimator
• Insurance adjuster
• Insurance appraiser
• Marketing specialist
• Trainer