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Auto Body Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Auto Body Technician

Chico, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Auto Body Technician Department: Collision Center Reports to: Body Shop Manager Auto Body ... Bolt or weld replacement parts in position, using wrenches or welding equipment. * Straighten bent ...

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Showing results 1-20

Auto Body Welding information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$47

How much do auto body welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto body welding 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 welding?

Auto body welding is the process of joining metal panels and components on vehicles, typically to repair damage or replace parts. It involves various welding techniques, such as MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), or spot welding, to ensure strong, durable repairs. Auto body welders need to have a good understanding of vehicle structures, safety procedures, and the correct tools to use for different types of metals. This skill is essential in collision repair shops and automotive restoration work.

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

To thrive as an Auto Body Welder, you need expertise in welding techniques, metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and a relevant certification or completion of a vocational training program. Familiarity with MIG, TIG, and spot welding equipment, as well as safety and diagnostic tools, is essential. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for producing high-quality work and handling unique repair challenges. These skills ensure precise repairs, structural integrity, and customer satisfaction in automotive collision and restoration settings.

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

Auto body welders often encounter challenges such as working with damaged or irregular metal surfaces, maintaining weld quality under tight deadlines, and ensuring personal safety in high-noise and high-heat environments. Effective communication with team members, such as painters and body technicians, is crucial to coordinate repairs and avoid rework. Staying updated on new welding techniques and safety practices, as well as using proper protective equipment, can help manage these challenges and contribute to a safe, efficient work environment.

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

AspectAuto Body WeldingAuto Body Repair Technician
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)ASE certifications, collision repair certifications
Work EnvironmentWelding shops, auto body shops, manufacturing plantsAuto repair shops, collision centers, dealerships
Primary TasksWelding metal parts, frame repairs, structural fixesAssessing damage, panel replacement, painting, finishing

Auto Body Welding focuses on repairing vehicle structures through welding techniques, requiring welding certifications. Auto Body Repair Technicians handle a broader range of repairs, including panel replacement and painting. While both roles work in auto body shops, their skills and certifications differ, with welding emphasizing metal joining and repair technicians focusing on overall vehicle restoration.

What cities in California are hiring for Auto Body Welding jobs? Cities in California with the most Auto Body Welding job openings:
Infographic showing various Auto Body Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,703 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Auto Body Technician

Fix Auto Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore, CA • On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Fix Auto Lake Elsinore t is currently looking to add an additional Body Technician.

Job description

Fix Auto Lake Elsinore is Hiring!!!! Sign on Bonus for Qualified Candidates!!!!

We are actively recruiting Additional quality Auto Body Technicians who are seeking a challenging and rewarding career in Inland Empire Area.

Job Duties:

Tear down vehicles

Refit new parts such as bumpers, fenders, grills, moldings, and other bolt-on and welded items

Perform small to heavy repair, finishing and priming jobs

Complete all repairs in a manner in which the repaired areas are restored to the original manufacturer's specifications, including door, hood and deck alignments, chassis and frame measurements, and welded on unibody parts

Work independently and with others with minimum supervision

Check all parts for accuracy before starting the repair and notify the parts manager of any incorrect parts or other discrepancies

Immediately notify production manager of any hidden or missed damage that doesn't appear on the repair order

Advise the Production Manager as you are nearing completion of a job and request a new assignment

Put forth every effort to meet and exceed the target delivery date assigned to a repair order

Assume responsibility for all parts assigned to your job

Protect the interior and exterior non-repair areas from dust, dirt, scratches, primer, over spray, etc.

Review every line item of each vehicle's repair order and inspect every vehicle to insure that all the repairs are complete

I Car certification is required, or 90 days to get up to date

Sign on Bonus for Qualified Candidates.

Medical and Dental Package

Uniforms provided

Holiday Pay

Competitive Wages

Company Description

Fix Auto Lake Elsinore is a family owned business for over 25 years.
Our locally-owned, Auto Body Shop has a solid team of dedicated staff that we treat like family. Grow with us and help our team put the finishing touch on our repaired vehicles.