Motor Vehicle Body Repairers
(NOC 7322)
in All Trades and TransportationMotor vehicle body repairers repair and restore damaged motor vehicle body parts and interior finishing; repaint body surfaces; and repair and/or replace automotive glass. They are employed by automobile dealerships, automobile body repair shops and automobile appraisal centres. This group also includes metal repairers who repair defective automobile body parts and damage to the bodies of newly assembled cars. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturers.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Motor Vehicle Body Repairers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 78% of Motor Vehicle Body Repairers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $42,461. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$19.00
Median$36.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,880
Minimum$40,385
Median$72,337
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Motor vehicle body repairers repair and restore damaged motor vehicle body parts and interior finishing; repaint body surfaces; and repair and/or replace automotive glass. They are employed by automobile dealerships, automobile body repair shops and automobile appraisal centres. This group also includes metal repairers who repair defective automobile body parts and damage to the bodies of newly assembled cars. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturers.
Job duties
Workers in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
- Review damage report and estimates of repair cost and plan work to be performed.
- Repair and replace front end components, body components, doors and frame and underbody components.
- Hammer out dents, buckles and other defects using blocks and hammers.
- Operate soldering equipment or use plastic filler to fill holes, dents and seams.
- Remove damaged fenders, panels and grills using wrenches and cutting torch and bolt or weld replacement parts into place.
- Straighten bent frames using frame and underbody pulling and anchoring equipment.
- File, grind and sand repaired body surfaces using hand and power tools.
- Mask and tape auto body surfaces in preparation for painting.
- Mix paint, blend and match colors.
- Apply primers and repaint surfaces using brush or spray guns.
- Repair and replace glass components such as windshields, windows and sunroofs.
- Repair or replace interior components, such as seat frame assembly, carpets and floorboard insulation.
- Inspect repaired vehicles and test drive vehicles for proper handling.
Sample job titles
- autobody mechanic
- autobody repairer
- autobody technician
- automotive glass technician
- automotive painter
- motor vehicle body repairer
- motor vehicle body technician
Skills
You should have mechanical aptitude, as well as patience, reliability, coordination, and agility. Lightness of touch and attention to detail are important. Some physical strength may be needed. This work requires excellent spatial and form perception. You should be able to visualize a finished piece of work from a sketch or brief description.
Job requirements
Motor vehicle body repairers
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- to four-year motor vehicle body repair apprenticeship program or a combination of over three years of work experience in the motor vehicle body repair trade and completion of a high school or college automotive body repair program is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for motor vehicle body repairers (metal and paint) is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified motor vehicle body repairers (metal and paint) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Automotive painters
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a two- to three-year automotive painter apprenticeship program or a combination of one year of work experience in the automotive painter trade and completion of a high school or college automotive painting program is usually required for automotive painter trade certification.
- Automotive painter certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified automotive painters upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other jobs in this group
- Automotive glass installers: Completion of high school is usually required. Auto glass industry certification is usually required.
- Metal repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing: Completion of high school is usually required. One to two years of on-the-job training are provided.
Other considerations
With experience, motor vehicle body repair and automotive painter tradespersons may progress to supervisory positions. Metal repairers employed in motor vehicle manufacturing may progress to motor vehicle repairer positions through an apprenticeship program, or, with experience, they may progress to supervisory positions in motor vehicle manufacturing.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other Services
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Construction
Wholesale Trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$45,884 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$41,396 median annual incomeHigh school
$27,523 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,818 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$41,498 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Autobody/collision and repair technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features. These programs include courses in structure analysis, damage repair, non-structural analysis, mechanical and electrical components, plastics and adhesives, painting and refinishing techniques, and damage analysis and estimating.
Institutions providing this program
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however; a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however; a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.