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Apprentice Body Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

New

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

New

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

New

... our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Role Levels & Responsibilities C-Level Tech (1-3 Years) - Apprentice / Lube & Tire Technician ... Lead major repairs: trailer body collision repair, reefer unit overhauls (if certified). * Manage ...

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Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Body Tech information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do apprentice body tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice body tech in California is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Body Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Body Tech, you need a basic understanding of automotive repair, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with hand and power tools, paint systems, and estimating software is commonly required in this role. Strong teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that help you stand out. These abilities ensure accurate repairs, efficient workflow, and positive customer experiences in a technical, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Apprentice Body Tech vs Body Technician?

AspectApprentice Body TechBody Technician
CertificationsNone or basic trainingASE or industry certifications
Work ExperienceEntry-level, on-the-job trainingExperienced, skilled in repairs
Work EnvironmentUnder supervision, learningIndependent, skilled repair shop
Employer UsageTraining programs, apprenticeshipsFull-time professional role

The main difference between an Apprentice Body Tech and a Body Technician is experience and certification. An Apprentice Body Tech is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a Body Technician is fully qualified, experienced, and able to perform repairs independently. Both roles are essential in auto body repair shops, with apprenticeships serving as a pathway to becoming a certified technician.

What does an Apprentice Body Tech do?

An Apprentice Body Tech assists experienced technicians in repairing and restoring vehicle bodies and frames that have been damaged in collisions or accidents. They learn to perform tasks such as sanding, painting, replacing parts, and aligning vehicle frames under supervision. This role is hands-on and involves using specialized tools and equipment while following safety procedures. Over time, apprentices gain the skills needed to advance to a full body technician position.

What are some common challenges Apprentice Body Techs face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

New Apprentice Body Techs often find the pace and precision required in auto body repair shops to be challenging. Tasks such as preparing surfaces, learning to use specialized tools, and following strict safety protocols can be overwhelming at first. Overcoming these challenges involves being proactive in seeking guidance from experienced technicians, practicing hands-on skills regularly, and staying organized to manage multiple repair tasks. Most shops foster a team environment where asking questions and collaborating is encouraged, which helps apprentices build confidence and competence over time.
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Body Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Body Tech job openings:
Auto Body Apprentice

Auto Body Apprentice

Carvana

Grass Valley, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Carvana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 727 rated retailers


Job description

We're looking for Auto Body Preppers with a minimum of 6 months of professional automotive prepping experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500.
As an Entry-level Auto Body Repair Technician, you'll be expected to prep vehicles for paint, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing.
At Carvana, you'll receive a competitive wage and amazing perks – including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount – all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers (click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company.


Other perks of the Job

  • 100% company-paid healthcare premiums
  • Generous paid-time off and your birthday is a holiday!
  • ASE and tool reimbursement programs
  • Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment

Pay Range: $21-$23 hourly

Schedule:

We do everything we can to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and that includes delivering great vehicles when expected. If we're in a pinch, mandatory overtime is one way in which we can follow-through on this commitment to our customers. We're looking for team players who are all in on our mission and are able to work mandatory overtime based on our business needs.


How To Get Started
Join the Carvana team by applying on this page, or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853, Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET).


Not a match for this role?
We have a variety of paint roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see other roles available to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:

  • Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing
  • Entry-Level Painter (min 1 year professional experience): prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
  • Mid-Level Painter (min 3 years professional experience): match/mix paint color and use water-based paint to paint the vehicle inside our paint booths
  • Experienced Painter (min 5 years professional experience): painting (base coats, tri-coats, solid, metallic, and clear coats), blending adjacent panels, and paint correcting vehicles.

We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country – take a look at our Careers site to apply for one of the following roles:

  • Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) roles
  • Auto Technician/Mechanic roles: Lube and Oil, Inspection, Brake and Tire, Mechanical Repair / Build, and Master Technician roles
  • Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate, Inspection, and Coordinator/Administrator roles

General qualifications and requirements

  • Ability to physically operate vehicle equipment and tools - must be able to lift up to 60 pounds independently
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Some positions may be subject to an Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
  • An ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment while sometimes being exposed to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold)
  • Use of safety equipment that may include but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment

About Carvana
At Carvana, we sell cars but we aren't car salesmen. Our promise is simple: we won't sell a car to a customer that we wouldn't sell to our own Mom. Period.
To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we've built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website.
Think you've got what it takes to join our team? Apply today!
Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.


What Carvana employees say

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About Carvana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Carvana, we sell cars, but we're not salespeople. Since 2013, we've been making it our mission to change the way people buy cars. We saw a huge problem with how much it can suck to buy a car the traditional way, so we committed ourselves to tackling one of the largest, yet-to-be-disrupted markets in the world - the $1T per year U.S. car market (yes, that's $Trillion with a "T").

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tempe, AZ, US

Year founded

2011