Automobile Collision Repairers

Little or no employment change is expected for automotive body and glass repairers from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Changing technology continues to play a role in the industry's outlook—both positive and negative. New automobile designs have body parts made of steel alloys, aluminum, and plastics—materials that are more time consuming to work with. In many cases, such materials are more prone to damage, increasing the need for body repairs. Additionally, technicians will need to develop expertise in the repair of electric, gas/electric hybrid, and autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles because these vehicles (especially electric, and gas/electric hybrid vehicles) are increasing in popularity. On the other hand, new technology such as air bags has also prompted more cars that are involved in accidents to be declared a total loss (since the cost of repairing the car is higher than the cost of a brand-new vehicle). As technology and materials become more high-tech, they also are becoming more expensive. This has caused repair shops to consolidate to save money and many people to skip repairing their vehicles because of high insurance deductibles and/or the high cost of repairs. These developments have reduced job opportunities to some extent for automobile collision repairers.

The automobile collision repair business is not greatly affected by changes in economic conditions. Major body damage must be repaired to keep a vehicle in safe operating condition. During an economic downturn, however, people tend to postpone minor repairs until their budgets can accommodate the expense. Nevertheless, body repairers are seldom laid off. Instead, when business is bad, employers hire fewer new workers. During a recession, inexperienced workers face strong competition for entry-level jobs. People with formal training in repair work and automobile mechanics, as well as certification, are likely to have the best job prospects in such times.