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Auto Body Apprentice Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Auto Body Apprentice information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$12

$28

$49

How much do auto body apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto body apprentice in Bellingham, WA is $28.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAuto Body ApprenticeAuto Body Technician
CredentialsOn-the-job training, possibly some certificationsCertifications like I-CAR, ASE, and experience
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised tasksFull professional repair shop, independent work
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level, training phase in auto repair shopsExperienced repair professional in auto body shops

Auto Body Apprentices are in training, gaining skills under supervision, while Auto Body Technicians are fully qualified professionals performing repairs independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career as a technician, who handles complex repairs and diagnostics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an auto body apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Auto Body Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of auto repair techniques, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like sanders, spray guns, dent pullers, and automotive painting systems is typically required, and enrolling in or completing an automotive repair training program is beneficial. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and strong teamwork skills help apprentices stand out in this hands-on, collaborative environment. These skills ensure quality repairs, workplace safety, and effective learning, all of which are crucial for advancing in the auto body repair field.

What does an auto body apprentice do?

As an auto body apprentice, your job is to learn more about how to repair an automotive vehicle after it has sustained a collision or similar damaging incident. During this apprenticeship, you work directly under a supervisor, gain skills as a mechanic, go through training programs, and get experience with the legal and business aspects of automotive repair. Auto body apprentices often study to earn certifications, help other employees, maintain a clean work environment, and proactively acquire knowledge of current products and technical techniques. This job may require lifting parts weighing up to 70 pounds, so physical fitness is essential for success.

What does an auto body apprentice do?

An Auto Body Apprentice assists experienced technicians in repairing and restoring vehicles that have been damaged in accidents or by wear and tear. Their responsibilities include tasks like sanding, priming, masking, and painting surfaces, as well as learning how to use specialized tools and equipment. Apprentices also help with replacing parts, aligning frames, and ensuring vehicles look and function as they should. This position offers hands-on training and experience under the supervision of skilled auto body professionals.

What are some common challenges faced by auto body apprentices in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Auto Body Apprentices often find their first year challenging due to the need to quickly develop hands-on skills while learning to use specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols. Adapting to the fast-paced shop environment and meeting quality standards can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, apprentices should actively seek feedback from experienced technicians, stay organized with their tasks, and take advantage of on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities. Building strong communication skills within the team will also help them integrate smoothly and learn more effectively.
What job categories do people searching Auto Body Apprentice jobs in Bellingham, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Auto Body Apprentice jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Auto Body Apprentice jobs? Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Auto Body Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Auto Body Apprentice job openings in Bellingham, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,719 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Auto Body Technician Helper

Crash Champions

Bellingham, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Crash Champions rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 363 rated vehicle maintenance


Job description

Champions Do More

Champions Are Worth More.

You haven’t experienced a culture like this. If you want more from your career, join the industry’s most exciting and fastest-growing brand. Crash Champions is the only founder-led national MSO. Join a dynamic team of Body Technician professionals and experience an unrivaled opportunity for growth.

Benefits:

  • Weekly Paycheck and Bonuses
  • Generous Referral Bonus
  • 401 (k) Retirement Plan and Company Match
  • Transfer Between Markets
  • Medical, Dental & Vision effective on start date
  • Paid Holidays & PTO

Responsibilities

Apprentice Technician STEP Program:

  • Potential to earn up to six figures and beyond!
  • Gradual raises and bonuses throughout the four-level minimum 12-month program
  • Mobile App and structured curriculum for real-time progress and interactive competitive learning
  • Earn points as you learn and build your own tools valued at $8,000
  • Full-time employment including benefits, paid time off and sick leave effective on start date
  • Hands-on training with an experienced Champion Mentor who will guide you through the program
  • Daily instruction that will prepare you for a career in the collision industry
  • Mentors that care about you succeeding as much as you do

Responsibilities:

  • Learn the industry standard of the manufacturer’s original specification with high quality controls
  • Create a complete repair plan, vehicle disassembly and reassembly, plastic bumper repair, and minor panel dent repair
  • Repair more complex dents by working and reshaping sheet metal, application of body filler, and advancing to two-sided plastic repair, larger panel damage
  • Learn the basics of structural damage identification and how to access repair procedures
  • Properly set-up and anchor structural repairs, as well as three-dimensional measuring of the vehicle structure
  • Learn the various methods of welding/joining materials and tools
  • Fine tune body filler and metal repairs, with the addition of stud-gun and other metal straightening tools and techniques, cutting and replacing small structural components
  • Proper set-up and techniques for MIG welding on steel vehicles, to complete the I-CAR Weld Certification

Qualifications

  • Ability to work full-time, 40 hours a week
  • Lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and regularly position or move self to fix and repair over and under vehicles
  • Ability to effectively communicate and take direction from superiors
  • Ability to read and understand a work order
  • High School Diploma/ GED preferred

Submit a Referral (https://field-crashchampions.icims.com/jobs/2435/auto-body-technician-helper/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-1834383836)

Location US-WA-Bellingham

ID 2023-2435

Category Mechanical/Collision

Position Type Regular Full-Time

Remote No


What Crash Champions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Crash Champions logo

About Crash Champions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1999, and based in Chicago, IL, Crash Champions, LLC ("Crash Champions"or the"Company") is the fifth largest independent collision repair chain in the United States, with an established presence in 17 states- and formal direct repair program ("DRP") relationships with most leading insurance carriers. The Company is led by founder and CEO Matt Ebert, who maintains an impressive track record of both organic and acquisition growth. As an acquiror of choice with a value-added capital partner, Crash Champions is expected to grow from a multi-regional business into a nationally recognized provider of collision repair services. Based upon the current pipeline of acquisitions and greenfield openings.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westmont, IL, US

Year founded

1999