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Auto Body Repair Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Competitive, based on experience ($40,000 - $60,000 annually, plus benefits) We are looking for a dedicated Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team. In this hands-on role, you'll ...

Competitive, based on experience ($40,000 - $60,000 annually, plus benefits) We are looking for a dedicated Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team. In this hands-on role, you'll ...

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Competitive, based on experience ($40,000 - $60,000 annually, plus benefits) We are looking for a dedicated Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team. In this hands-on role, you'll ...

If you have a strong background in auto body repair, a passion for quality work, and experience working in a team environment, we want to hear from you! This is a full-time position, Monday through ...

If you have a strong background in auto body repair, a passion for quality work, and experience working in a team environment, we want to hear from you! This is a full-time position, Monday through ...

If you have a strong background in auto body repair, a passion for quality work, and experience working in a team environment, we want to hear from you! This is a full-time position, Monday through ...

At least 2 years of experience in collision repair * Must have own tools * Valid Driver's License ... Auto Body Techs fill depressions with body filler, using putty knife. * Body Techs remove damaged ...

Auto Body Technician

Chico, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

At least 2 years of experience in collision repair * Must have own tools * Valid Driver's License ... Auto Body Techs fill depressions with body filler, using putty knife. * Body Techs remove damaged ...

Auto Body Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Auto Body Technician Location: Escondido, CA Company: California Collision Center About Us ... California Collision Center is a family-owned and operated collision repair facility committed to ...

Auto Body Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Auto Body Technician Location: Escondido, CA Company: California Collision Center About Us ... California Collision Center is a family-owned and operated collision repair facility committed to ...

Auto Body Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Auto Body Technician Location: Escondido, CA Company: California Collision Center About Us ... California Collision Center is a family-owned and operated collision repair facility committed to ...

Showing results 21-40

Auto Body Repair information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$47

How much do auto body repair jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto body repair in California is $27.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is auto body repair?

Auto body repair is the process of restoring or replacing the exterior parts of a vehicle that have been damaged due to collisions, weather, or other incidents. This includes repairing dents, scratches, and rust, as well as replacing panels, bumpers, and windows. Auto body repair technicians use specialized tools and techniques to ensure a vehicle looks and performs as it did before the damage. The goal is to restore the vehicle's appearance, safety, and structural integrity.

What is the difference between Auto Body Repair vs Auto Paint Technician?

AspectAuto Body RepairAuto Paint Technician
CredentialsCertifications in collision repair, I-CAR trainingCertifications in auto painting, refinishing, I-CAR
Work EnvironmentCollision centers, repair shops, garagesAuto body shops, refinishing facilities
Job FocusRepairing vehicle frames, replacing panels, fixing dentsApplying paint, finishing, color matching
Industry UsageCollision repair, insurance claimsRefinishing, custom paint jobs

Auto Body Repair and Auto Paint Technician roles often overlap but focus on different aspects of vehicle restoration. Auto Body Repair involves fixing structural damage and replacing damaged parts, while Auto Paint Technicians specialize in applying paint and finishes to restore the vehicle's appearance. Both require specific certifications and work in collision or auto body shops, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

Is auto body repair a good career?

Auto body repair is a skilled trade that involves repairing and restoring vehicle exteriors using tools like paint sprayers and frame machines. It offers opportunities for steady employment, especially for those with certifications and experience, and can provide a stable income with potential for advancement. The job requires physical work, attention to detail, and knowledge of automotive systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an auto body repair technician?

To thrive as an Auto Body Repair Technician, you need strong skills in metalworking, painting, and collision repair, typically gained through a vocational program or apprenticeship. Familiarity with tools like frame machines, computerized measuring systems, and spray booths, as well as I-CAR or ASE certifications, is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and customer service skills help technicians excel in assessing damage and ensuring customer satisfaction. These abilities are crucial for delivering safe, high-quality repairs and maintaining a strong reputation in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by auto body repair technicians, and how can they be managed on the job?

Auto body repair technicians often encounter challenges such as working with complex vehicle structures, matching paint colors precisely, and meeting tight deadlines for repairs. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective time management, and continuous learning to stay updated on new vehicle materials and technologies. Collaboration with other technicians, estimators, and parts suppliers is also essential to ensure repairs are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Body Repair jobs in California? The most popular types of Auto Body Repair jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Auto Body Repair jobs? Cities in California with the most Auto Body Repair job openings:
Infographic showing various Auto Body Repair job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,703 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Auto Body Repair Technician - 2nd Shift

Carvana

Rocklin, CA • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Part-time, Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Carvana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 278 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 731 rated retailers


Job description

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork 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 Auto Body Repair Technician, you'll be expected to perform light bodywork, including:

  • Prepping, sanding, and buffing vehicles
  • Removing and installing bumpers
  • Minor plastic welding
  • Small area bodywork (including Bondo repair)


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: $22-$26

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 prep roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see what you'll be doing to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:

  • Entry-Level Prepper (min 1 year professional experience): perform light bodywork, including prepping, sanding, and buffing vehicles, removing and installing bumpers, single panel repair (including Bondo repair), and minor plastic welding
  • Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels, including heavy plastic welding, minor metal pulling, roof and rocker panel repair, stud welding, and large area heavy bodywork (including Bondo repair)
  • Experienced Prepper (min 5 years professional experience): train other autobody technicians and perform extensive bodywork on multiple panels, including plastic welding, metal pulling, roof and rocker panel repair, and stud welding

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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Benefits

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Carvana logo

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