Automotive Body and Related Repairers Go Back to List Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Accounting software

Tasks
	File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
	Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
	Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
	Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.
	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.
	Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.
	Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.
	Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
	Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.
	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.

Skills
	Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $56,429.00 $27.13  $19.01  $20.63 - $30.60  Bridgeport/Stamford $59,621.00 $28.67  $19.72  $22.06 - $32.16  Danbury $52,698.00 $25.34  $18.06  $19.43 - $29.38  Hartford $55,352.00 $26.61  $18.90  $20.20 - $30.47  New Haven $57,196.00 $27.49  $19.08  $20.62 - $31.23  New London/Norwich $52,346.00 $25.16  $18.29  $19.98 - $28.91  Waterbury $54,087.00 $26.00  $18.74  $19.90 - $29.95

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   171   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average, and the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.