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Source: I-CAR Education Foundation's 2007 Snapshot Survey. |
Wages and Compensation
Although there is a wide distribution of annual income amounts, average income for production technicians has steadily increased since 1995. According to the I-CAR Education Foundation's 2007 Snapshot Survey, average income for all collision repair technicians is $51,312. However, potential income depends on individual skills, training and business operations. Average income among the top 10% of technicians was $88,460.
As to other compensation, the I-CAR Education Foundation's 2007 Snapshot Survey found that over 80% of collision repair facilities offered their employees paid vacations. Close to 70% offered health insurance, and over 30% offered life insurance. A small percentage of shops even offered benefits such as paid tuition, retirement, and profit sharing.
What schooling/training is required
Many high schools, career and technical schools, private trade schools and community colleges around the country offer collision repair training. Some students enter the collision repair profession right out of high school while others pursue additional training from a post-secondary institution before starting their careers. In either circumstance, they are usually hired as entry-level technicians, doing basic repairs or detail work. It is recommended that students pursuing a collision repair profession have some kind of formal training at the secondary or post-secondary level.
Generally, it takes about 2 to 3 years of on-the-job training to be considered a "productive" technician. This is when the technician is experienced enough to handle the most complex repairs with little or no supervision. Though, formal training can significantly increase ones chances for advancement and higher wages.
Even as a technician gains on-the-job skills, it is still important that the technician partakes in some continuing education. Because the technology in collision repair constantly evolves this continuing education becomes vital for a technician to do a proper repair. I-CAR is a leading source of continuing education classes that educate technicians on new products and techniques.
General Employment Perspectives
According to the I-CAR Education Foundation's 2007 Snapshot of the Industry Survey, the increasing demands for collision repair technicians are at an all time high. In fact, the collision repair industry is facing a shortage of quality entry-level technicians; therefore most graduates can expect a multitude of job opportunities upon graduation.
Most collision repair technicians work for shops that specialize in body repair and painting, and for automobile and truck dealers. Some work for organizations that maintain their own motor vehicles, such as trucking or car rental companies. A small percentage work for motor vehicle manufacturers, and nearly one out of five are self-employed. An experienced collision repair technician may advance to shop supervisor, choose to open up their own collision repair facility or become automobile damage appraisers for insurance companies.