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Auto Body Welding Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Bring your auto body repair skills to our established business and earn a great income ... Welding, suspension, framework experience a plus OR willing to learn/train * I-CAR Certification ...

Bring your auto body repair skills to our established business and earn a great income ... Welding, suspension, framework experience a plus OR willing to learn/train * I-CAR Certification ...

Auto Body Technician Earning Potential of $75k - $125k+ Classic Collision was established in 1983 ... Mend damaged body by hammering out or filling in dents and welding broken parts; ensure all gaps ...

Perform body filler and welding to repair damaged parts * Replace and align damaged structural components * Restore vehicle appearance by applying paint and finishes * Ensure all repaired vehicles ...

Perform body filler and welding to repair damaged parts * Replace and align damaged structural components * Restore vehicle appearance by applying paint and finishes * Ensure all repaired vehicles ...

Perform body filler and welding to repair damaged parts * Replace and align damaged structural components * Restore vehicle appearance by applying paint and finishes * Ensure all repaired vehicles ...

Be Seen First

Body filler, shaping, and paint prep * Wet sanding and buffing for show-quality finishes * Paint ... Welding and basic sheet metal fabrication * Exterior panel alignment and fitment * General ...

Be Seen First

Body filler, shaping, and paint prep * Wet sanding and buffing for show-quality finishes * Paint ... Welding and basic sheet metal fabrication * Exterior panel alignment and fitment * General ...

At Kunes Auto Group, we believe great people build great dealerships. We're committed to servant ... Complete bodywork including panel replacement, dent repair, welding, sanding, filling, and aligning ...

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Auto Body Welding information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$27

$47

How much do auto body welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto body welding in Minnesota is $27.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do vehicle welders make?

Auto body welders typically earn between $35,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled welders with specialized training or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand areas or with advanced equipment knowledge.

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, and why are they important?

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 welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Auto body welders with specialized skills, certifications, and experience can earn around $50 an hour, especially in high-demand areas or for advanced repairs involving aluminum or stainless steel. Welding positions in manufacturing, construction, or repair shops that require certifications like AWS can also reach or exceed this rate. Factors such as location, skill level, and the complexity of the work influence pay rates.

Do welders make $100 an hour?

Auto body welders typically do not earn $100 an hour; their wages vary based on experience, location, and specialization. The average hourly rate for auto body welders is generally between $15 and $30, with higher rates possible for highly skilled or specialized welders working in certain regions or industries.

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.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Auto body welders typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with high earners in specialized or supervisory roles reaching around $100,000. Earning $300,000 is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, advanced skills, certifications, or working in high-paying industries or locations. Achieving such a high income as a welder is rare and generally involves additional responsibilities or business ownership.

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 are popular job titles related to Auto Body Welding jobs in Minnesota? For Auto Body Welding jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Auto Body Welding jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Auto Body Welding job openings:
Infographic showing various Auto Body Welding job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,272 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Automotive Body Shop Technician

Automotive Body Shop Technician

Owatonna Motor Company

Owatonna, MN

$50K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Owatonna Motor Company is a well-established, locally trusted automotive dealership serving Southern Minnesota. Our collision center is growing, and we are looking for a skilled, motivated Automotive Body Shop Technician / Collision Repair Technician to join our team.

If you’re an experienced auto body technician, collision repair technician, body shop mechanic, or auto body repair specialist looking for strong earning potential in a stable dealership environment, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

The Automotive Body Shop Technician is responsible for performing collision repair, structural repair, non-structural repair, auto body repair, and refinishing prep work in accordance with OEM specifications and dealership standards. This position requires expertise in repair planning, frame work, welding, panel replacement, and body alignment.


Pay and Benefits
  • Expected yearly earnings are between $50,000 - $100,000 (based on experience, certifications, and flat-rate productivity)
  • Medical Insurance

  • Dental Insurance

  • Vision Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Paid OEM & ongoing technical training

  • Employee discounts on vehicles, parts, and service

  • Paid time off

  • Consistent workflow in a dealership-backed collision center


Responsibilities
  • Perform collision repair and auto body repair according to repair estimates and OEM procedures

  • Complete structural and non-structural repairs, including frame straightening and unibody repair

  • Repair or replace damaged body panels, fenders, bumpers, and structural components

  • Perform panel replacement, metal finishing, dent repair, and body filler application

  • Conduct frame measurement and body alignment

  • Perform MIG welding, spot welding, aluminum welding (if experienced), and soldering

  • Complete refinishing prep including sanding, masking, and light paint work (if qualified)

  • Review repair orders for accuracy and flag additional damage for supplements

  • Communicate with the Parts Department to ensure correct parts ordering

  • Follow OEM factory repair procedures and technical service bulletins

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work environment

  • Handle hazardous materials per OSHA, EPA, and state regulations

  • Document work performed and ensure quality control standards are met


Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of auto body repair or collision repair experience, OR

    Auto Body & Collision Repair certification from an accredited program

  • ASE Certification (Collision Repair & Refinishing) preferred

  • I-CAR certification strongly preferred

  • Experience with frame machines, measuring systems, welding equipment, and refinishing prep tools

  • Ability to read and interpret collision repair estimates and repair blueprints

  • Valid driver’s license with clean driving record

  • Must pass background check and drug screening

  • Must have own tools

  • High attention to detail, time management skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced body shop environment


Why Join Owatonna Motor Company?

We are committed to providing award-winning service to our customers and a stable, professional workplace for our employees. Every team member plays a critical role in our success. If you’re looking for a long-term automotive career with strong earning potential and a respected dealership, apply today.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Owatonna Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.