Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Low12.83%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$35,250
Median$48,740
High (90th %)$80,380
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Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
The occupation of "Automotive Body and Related Repairers" has an estimated automation risk of 12.8%, closely reflecting its base risk of 13.0%. This relatively low risk indicates that while some components of the job can be automated, significant aspects still require human oversight and craftsmanship. The field involves a range of hands-on tasks, from repairing and refinishing vehicle bodies to communicating with customers about custom modifications. The technical and variable nature of auto body repair means that, although some standardized tasks can be mechanized, a comprehensive replacement by automation is presently improbable. This moderate risk level balances between the increasing sophistication of automated tools and the persistent need for human adaptability and problem-solving. The top three most automatable tasks in this occupation primarily involve repetitive physical processes. These include filing, grinding, sanding, and smoothing filled or repaired surfaces using power and hand tools, which can be replicated by industrial robotic systems. Inspection of repaired vehicles for proper function and paint appearance—including test-driving to ensure alignment and handling—can be partly aided by sensors and diagnostics, though human judgment is often still needed. Fitting and welding replacement parts, as well as grinding down welds, are tasks increasingly within the capabilities of automated machinery due to advances in precision robotics and automated welding technology. These tasks are well-suited to automation due to their stepwise nature and reliance on standard procedures and equipment. However, several core responsibilities remain resistant to automation and act as bottlenecks. Manual tasks such as measuring and marking vinyl material for roof installations, cutting vehicle body openings for custom windows, and reading specs or consulting with customers about desired aesthetic changes require high degrees of manual dexterity, spatial judgment, and direct communication. These duties often involve uniquely tailored solutions and depend heavily on creativity and customer interaction, reflected in the critical bottleneck skill of originality, rated at 2.9% and 2.4%. Such originality-driven tasks demand adaptive problem-solving and nuanced understanding, which current automation technologies struggle to replicate, hence preserving the value and necessity of human expertise within this occupation.
Filter by Automatable Status
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.
Partially Automatable
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.
Non-Automatable
Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
Partially Automatable
Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
Partially Automatable
Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
Non-Automatable
Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
Non-Automatable
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.
Non-Automatable
Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.
Partially Automatable
Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.
Non-Automatable
Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.
Non-Automatable
Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.
Non-Automatable
Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.
Non-Automatable
Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.
Non-Automatable
Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.
Non-Automatable
Replace damaged glass on vehicles.
Non-Automatable
Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.
Partially Automatable
Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.
Non-Automatable
Clean work areas, using air hoses, to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.
Non-Automatable
Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.
Non-Automatable
Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.
Non-Automatable
Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.
Non-Automatable
File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
Partially Automatable
Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
Non-Automatable
Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.
Non-Automatable
Read specifications or confer with customers to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and Processes
Accounting softwareAccounts receivable softwareAppointment scheduling softwareAutoZone ALLDATACollision damage estimation softwareCollision damage measurement softwareEquipment management information softwareInventory management softwareMicrosoft OneNoteMicrosoft WindowsPaint mixing and matching softwareSwan River Estimiser ProMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookInventory management softwareMicrosoft OneNoteMicrosoft WindowsSwan River Estimiser ProAutoZone ALLDATAAccounting softwareCollision damage estimation softwareEquipment management information softwareAccounts receivable softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMaterials management softwareAutomotive and Accounting Software by R*KOM Invoice WriterAppointment scheduling softwareCollision damage measurement softwarePaint mixing and matching softwareMaterials management softwareAutomotive and Accounting Software by R*KOM Invoice WriterMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software
Sheet Metal Workers
Low29.90%
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Low25.44%
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Low24.75%
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Low27.13%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Medium41.90%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Rail Car Repairers
Low23.46%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Motorcycle Mechanics
Low15.15%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Tire Repairers and Changers
Low24.74%
Repair and replace tires.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Low32.98%
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Low25.88%
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Upholsterers
Low20.15%
Make, repair, or replace upholstery for household furniture or transportation vehicles.
Furniture Finishers
Low24.64%
Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium42.67%
Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Medium44.30%
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Tire Builders
Medium34.65%
Operate machines to build tires.
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Medium56.43%
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
Bicycle Repairers
Low14.10%
Repair and service bicycles.
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians
Low17.42%
Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair, or overhaul recreational vehicles including travel trailers. May specialize in maintaining gas, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, or chassis/towing systems as well as repairing generators, appliances, and interior components. Includes workers who perform customized van conversions.