The Automotive Collision Repair program is designed to educate and train persons to become qualified to repair damaged vehicles.  Students enrolled in this program are provided with theory and hands-on experiences pertaining to personal safety rules and procedures, structural metal straightening, non-structural metal repair, paint and refinishing, welding, plastic repairs and vehicle estimating.  Students who successfully complete this program will find that a career in Automotive Collision Repair is one of the highest paying technical occupations.

Occupational Choices

The collision repair industry offers a wide range of occupational choices.  Technicians may specialize in paint and refinishing, collision repair estimating, collision repair shop management, and glass and trim.  Others may decide to open their own collision repair shops. 

Average Full-Time Wage

 The majority of collision repair technicians employed by automotive dealers and repair shops are paid on an incentive basis.  Under this method, body technicians are paid a predetermined amount for various tasks, and earnings depend on the amount of work assigned to the technician and how fast it is completed.  Employers frequently guarantee technicians a minimum weekly salary.  The average full-time annual wages of a technician is $27,000 to $71,000¹.  Continued training also often leads to an increase in salary. 

Awards

Certificate In Automotive Collision Repair

Specialized Training Certificate In Automotive Collision Repair

Estimated Length & Cost*

* Tax not included.  Prices are subject to change without prior notice; cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers.  The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.  Enrollment in transitional level general education courses will alter the length of the program.

^**Data obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006-2007.