Automotive body and related repairers
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
BLS SOC 49-3021 · O*NET-SOC 49-3021.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$54,890
Projected change, 2025–2035
3.7%
2025–2035 annual average openings
12,600
AI exposure
Low
Editorial analysis
Collision repair now has to restore the car's eyes and ears too
Automotive body repair is changing because modern vehicles place cameras, radar units, sensors, wiring, and advanced materials throughout the body structure. AI can help estimate visible damage from photographs, identify parts, prepare repair plans, and predict labor requirements.
A dent is no longer always just a dent
Repairing or replacing a bumper may affect a radar sensor. Wind or collision damage can change camera alignment. High-strength steels, aluminum, composites, adhesives, and vehicle-specific procedures can make seemingly familiar repairs technically different.
- Photo-based estimating and damage assessment can become faster.
- AI can help identify required parts and repair procedures.
- Robotic systems may automate portions of sanding, painting, or repetitive shop work.
- Structural repair, measuring, fitting, refinishing judgment, disassembly, reassembly, and calibration remain skilled physical work.
Body repairers who learn advanced driver-assistance calibration, electronics, modern materials, and manufacturer-specific repair procedures may find that technology adds to the occupation's skill requirements rather than removing them.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 163,200 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 169,300 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 6,100 jobs (3.7%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Low. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Low
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- 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.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Accounting software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Point of sale POS software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Inventory management software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.