Which Career Pays More: Automotive Service Technician or Automotive Body Repair?

Choosing a career path can be a daunting task, especially when you have a passion for cars and are torn between becoming an automotive service technician or an automotive body repairer. Both careers offer the opportunity to work hands-on with vehicles, but they differ in their job responsibilities, required skills, and potential earnings. This article will delve into these two careers, comparing their salaries and other factors that might influence your decision.

Automotive Service Technician: An Overview

An automotive service technician, also known as a mechanic, is responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a variety of vehicles. They work on engines, transmissions, brakes, and other complex systems within a vehicle. Technicians need to stay updated with the latest technology as vehicles become more advanced.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was ,090 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than ,400, and the highest 10 percent earned more than ,880. The job outlook for automotive service technicians is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Automotive Body Repairer: An Overview

Automotive body repairers, or auto body technicians, specialize in restoring vehicles’ physical appearances after accidents or other damage. They repair, replace, and refinish body parts using a variety of tools and techniques. This job requires a keen eye for detail and a good understanding of vehicle structures.

Salary and Job Outlook

The BLS reports that the median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers was ,580 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than ,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than ,200. The job outlook for automotive body repairers is projected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Which Career Pays More?

Based on the median annual wages, automotive body repairers earn slightly more than automotive service technicians. However, the highest earners in both careers have similar earning potentials. It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and the specific employer.

Conclusion

While salary is an important factor to consider when choosing a career, it’s also crucial to consider your interests and skills. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with complex vehicle systems, you might find a career as an automotive service technician rewarding. On the other hand, if you have a knack for visual detail and enjoy restoring vehicles to their original condition, a career in automotive body repair might be a better fit. Both careers offer the opportunity to work with cars and have similar job growth projections.