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Car Body Repairer, Customer Service Technician, Mechanic, Motor Vehicle Tradesperson, Service Technician, Truck Body Repairer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In Alberta, the auto body trade has the following branches:
Auto body preppers are responsible for the restoration of anti-corrosion treatments, substrate identification, surface preparation, undercoat product mixing and application. Since they are involved throughout the collision repair process, they generally:
Auto body refinishers do damage appraisals, surface preparation, minor damage repairs, masking, accurate colour matching, priming and top coating. They also do substrate identification, product mixing and application. Since they are involved throughout the collision repair process, they generally:
Some key tasks for auto body refinishers include restoring anti-corrosion treatments and applying refinish products in the right order. Complex colour formulations created by automobile manufacturers require that refinishers develop a high skill level in both product chemistry and colour matching.
Auto body repairers do damage appraisals, frame and unibody structural repairs, body sheet metal work, plastic repairs, component replacement and alignment. Restraint systems such as air bags and seat belts are a significant part of their workload. In general, they:
Auto body technicians are trained to do all tasks in the auto body trade. They may specialize in damage appraisal, frame straightening, surface preparation, sheet metal work and refinishing.
After preparing or reviewing motor vehicle repair estimate reports, auto body technicians:
Auto body personnel usually work a 40-hour, 5-day week with occasional overtime required. They work indoors in a noisy environment and may be required to lift and move items that weigh up to 25 kilograms.
Although most shops are well ventilated, the work involves exposure to dust and fumes. There is always some risk of injury involved in working with sharp metals and power tools.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to fill holes, dents and seams using soldering equipment and plastic filler, and to apply primers and repaint surfaces using brushes and spray guns
Interest in compiling information from review of damage reports to determine estimates of repair costs; and in planning work to be performed
Interest in repairing damaged components and straightening bent frames using frame and underbody pulling and anchoring equipment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Auto body personnel need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy creative decision making and performing tasks that require precision. They should enjoy staying up to date with the annual changes manufacturers make in plastics, electronics, metals, finishes and paints.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 106 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 17, 2024 and Apr 23, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Review damage report and estimates of repair cost and plan work to be performed | 79 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: File, grind and sand body surfaces to be repaired | 77 |
| Tasks: Clean and maintain work space | 76 |
| Tasks: Replace front end components, body components, doors and frame and underbody components | 75 |
| Attention to detail | 72 |
| Tasks: Hammer out dents, buckles and defects using blocks and hammers | 70 |
| Tasks: Remove damaged fenders, panels and grills and bolt or weld replacement parts into place | 67 |
| Tasks: Mask and tape auto body surfaces in preparation for painting | 64 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 60 |
| Tasks: Repair or replace damaged windows, windshields and sunroofs | 59 |
To work in Alberta, an auto body prepper, refinisher, repairer or technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Terms of apprenticeship for the different branches of this trade vary:
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Only auto body refinisher and auto body technician apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Auto body technicians repair and replace damaged motor vehicle structures and body parts, and interior and exterior finishes. In Alberta, this trade has the following trades: auto body prepper, auto body repairer, auto body refinisher and auto body technician. Auto body technicians perform all the duties of the other three branches. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to repair or replace or refinish damaged motor vehicle structures or body parts, or interior or exterior finishes.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Auto Body Technician.
Vehicle inspection technicians determine vehicle condition, and complete inspection certificates or affix decals to vehicles.
Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act [pdf] and Vehicle Inspection Regulation [pdf], you must be approved by Government of Alberta to complete and sign an inspection certificate and, when applicable, affix a decal to commercially registered vehicles and privately registered vehicles.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Vehicle Inspection Technician.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Auto body preppers, repairers, refinishers and technicians are employed by auto body repair shops, automobile and truck dealerships, custom shops and sometimes by companies with vehicle fleets.
Experienced auto body personnel may advance to supervisory positions, start their own businesses or become automobile damage appraisers for insurance companies.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7322: Motor vehicle body repairers occupational group, 81.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7322: Motor vehicle body repairers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 77 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson wage rates vary depending on the region but generally range from $17 to $26 an hour plus benefits for auto body preppers, and from $19 to $35 an hour plus benefits for auto body refinishers, repairers and technicians (2020 estimates).
Apprentices in all branches earn at least 55% of the journeyperson wage in their place of employment in the first year and 70% in the second. Apprentice auto body repairers earn at least 80% in the third. However, apprentice auto body technicians earn at least 75% in the third and 80% in the fourth year.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $40.68 | $29.12 | $28.00 |
| Overall | $24.34 | $45.13 | $32.77 | $31.20 |
| Top | $27.00 | $49.65 | $37.82 | $37.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $68,657 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $72,307 |
| Retail Trade | $60,439 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $69,447 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
