ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Auto Damage Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 21-21

All JobsAuto Damage JobsAuto Damage Trainee JobsAuto Damage Trainee Jobs in Michigan

Auto Damage Trainee information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$13

$15

How much do auto damage trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto damage trainee in Michigan is $13.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $15.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an auto damage trainee?

An Auto Damage Trainee is an entry-level professional who learns how to inspect vehicles for damage, estimate repair costs, and process insurance claims. They typically work under the supervision of experienced auto damage adjusters, gaining hands-on experience in assessing collision damages and interacting with customers. The role involves both fieldwork—inspecting vehicles at various locations—and office work, such as documenting findings and preparing reports. Training programs for this position often include classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and mentoring. Successful trainees may advance to become full-fledged auto damage adjusters or specialists.

What does an auto damage trainee do?

An auto damage trainee learns about auto body damage, how to determine a repair estimate, and the process for insurance claims adjusting. An auto damage trainee receives classroom and real-world training to practice the skills needed to work as an auto damage or accident claims adjuster. Common job duties include traveling to vehicle sites such as repair shops, inspecting vehicles to assess damage, providing a cost estimate of needed repairs, and negotiating settlements with insurance clients. Their responsibilities are to honor clients’ insurance coverage while making cost-effective decisions for the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an auto damage trainee?

To thrive as an Auto Damage Trainee, you need a solid understanding of automotive mechanics, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with estimating software, digital imaging tools, and basic office systems is commonly expected, with some roles requiring certifications like I-CAR or ASE. Strong customer service, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in this position. These competencies enable accurate damage assessments, efficient claims processing, and positive customer experiences in the auto insurance industry.

What are some common challenges faced by auto damage trainees during their initial months on the job?

Auto Damage Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to accurately assess various types of vehicle damage, managing a high volume of claims, and mastering the use of specialized estimating software. In the early months, trainees may also need to quickly adapt to working in different environments, such as repair shops, client locations, or outdoors in various weather conditions. Effective communication with customers, repair professionals, and team members is essential, and developing these skills can take time. Support and mentorship from experienced adjusters can help trainees navigate these challenges and build confidence in their role.

What is the difference between Auto Damage Trainee vs Auto Damage Adjuster?

AspectAuto Damage TraineeAuto Damage Adjuster
CertificationsOn-the-job training, possibly some industry coursesInsurance adjuster license, certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, repair shops, insurance officesInsurance companies, claims sites, fieldwork
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning damage assessment, assisting adjustersEvaluating vehicle damage, determining repair costs

Auto Damage Trainee roles focus on training and gaining experience in damage assessment, often under supervision. Auto Damage Adjusters are responsible for evaluating vehicle damage independently and making insurance decisions. The trainee position is an entry point, while the adjuster role requires certification and experience.

More about Auto Damage Trainee jobs

What are popular job titles related to Auto Damage Trainee jobs in Michigan?

For Auto Damage Trainee jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Auto Damage Trainee jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Auto Damage Trainee jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Auto Damage Trainee jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Auto Damage Trainee job openings:

Auto Damage Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auto Damage Trainee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,891 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Metal Finish Technician

Laepple Automotive US Inc

Detroit, MI • On-site

$52 - $74/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform advanced metal finishing, including straightening, dent removal, reshaping, sanding, and polishing on steel and aluminum automotive body panels.

  • Inspect assembled body parts to assess damage, determine required repairs, and ensure repairs meet quality standards.

  • Repair damage using techniques such as hammer-and-dolly, shrinking, welding, and perform finishing to achieve panels that require no body filler.

Job description

About us

LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. To grow our team in Detroit, we are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Metal Finish Technician to support our Class A body parts manufacturing operation. This role performs advanced metal finishing and precision repairs with no filler usage while ensuring that all products meet or exceed customer quality requirements and industry standards. The ideal candidate is a master craftsman who combines strong technical expertise with process discipline, a collaborative team‑oriented mindset, and ability to self‑motivate.

Key Responsibilities
  • Inspect assembled body parts to assess damage and determine required repairs.
  • Perform advanced metal straightening, dent removal, reshaping, sanding/polishing on steel and aluminum automotive body panels.
  • Repair damage using hammer‑and‑dolly techniques, shrinking methods, and welding as needed.
  • Achieve finished panels that require no body filler prior to refinishing.
  • Ensure repairs meet or exceed customer standards and quality guidelines.
  • Mentor and support trainees in metal finishing techniques.
  • Collaborate with production and logistics teams to ensure efficient workflow and quality outcomes.
  • Inspect completed repairs for accuracy, safety, and cosmetic excellence.
  • Perform repairs using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
  • Follow safety standards at all times.
  • Document inspection results and repairs made and communicate clearly with Quality and Production teams regarding findings.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
  • Keep up to date with evolving repair procedures, materials and tools.
  • Adhere to all procedures, regulatory requirements, and department/company policies.
  • Other duties and tasks as assigned.
Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in auto body metal repair and finishing required.
  • 5-10 years of experience in a Tier I automotive manufacturing environment preferred.
  • Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Advanced knowledge of steel and aluminum repair techniques, tools and materials.
  • Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, MIG welding equipment, and measuring systems.
  • Strong understanding of OEM repair procedures and tolerances.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
  • Strong attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
  • Strong diagnostic and problem‑solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Leadership and mentoring capability.
  • Time management and ability to meet production deadlines.
  • Team orientation with excellent communication skills.
  • Self‑motivated with a results‑driven approach.
  • High level of integrity and ethical standards.
  • Proven reliability and exceptional attendance record.
  • Ability and willingness to work any shift and overtime as may be required to meet business objectives.
Physical and Mental Requirements of the Position
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, use hands to handle, manipulate, or feel objects, utilize tools for extended periods, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk and hear.
  • Employee must be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
  • While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply