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Auto Damage Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Auto Damage Trainee information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$13

$15

How much do auto damage trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto damage trainee in Tennessee is $13.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.72 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.

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

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

Infographic showing various Auto Damage Trainee job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,043 per year, or $14 per hour.

Auto Glass Installation Technician Trainee - Mobile#161

Jackson, TN • On-site


Driven Brands, Inc.
Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Wholesalers • 5 - 10K employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 371 rated vehicle maintenance

Respectful managers

Good training


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Company:Auto Glass Now

Auto Glass Now offers fast, friendly, and convenient auto glass services. As the second largest auto glass repairer in America, our outstanding team works hard to deliver exceptional customer experiences and high-quality auto glass repair, replacement, and calibration services.

We're always looking for friendly and energetic team members to join our growing glass family. Customer service representatives, technicians, managers, and many more positions are available across the country. With the majority of our management team starting as entry-level employees, you can feel confident in knowing Auto Glass Now is investing in your career growth.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Auto Glass Now is fast growing, fast paced, and offers enormous potential! Many of our Auto Glass Now Leaders within the organization started as an Auto Glass Technician! We help our most motivated team members advance quickly through the company and become Auto Glass Now leaders.

As an Auto Glass Technician Trainee, you will have an exciting opportunity to build a career and develop experience and professional skills for our store locations, airport rental facilities, or as a mobile technician.

What our Auto Glass Techs LOVE about Auto Glass Now:

  • WE SUPPLY Auto Glass specific tools in most markets!

  • UNCAPPED COMMISSION plans (per car bonuses)!

  • WEEKLY PAY and Same Day Pay available through myFlexPay.

  • EMPLOYEE REFERRAL program!

  • VALUES-DRIVEN CULTURE built on integrity, professionalism, excellence, and teamwork!

  • STATE-of-the-ART facilities and excellent working conditions!

  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Health insurance (HSA and FSA plans), dental, vision, life insurance, Parental leave, 401k match, paid time off and holidays!

As a Driven Brands Auto Glass Technician, you will:

  • Install windshields and auto glass in our shop or from a mobile operation unit.

  • Calibrate vehicle electronics such as ADAS systems, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, etc.

  • Repair chips and other glass damage.

  • Interact with customers to ensure customer satisfaction with a job well done.

  • Process payments from mobile customers.

  • Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude.

  • Provide World Class customer service to our valued customers and vendors.

Experienced Glass Technician Requirements:

  • Must have a valid driver's license and ability to pass MVR check.

  • Ability to read and interpret technical specifications.

  • Strong customer experience skills.

  • Excellent critical thinking skills and diligence.

  • Must be over 18 years of age.

  • Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job.

This position involves driving duties that will be monitored and recorded by a telematics device to ensure safety and compliance.

Physical Demands:

In performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to maneuver around vehicles to position yourself safely during installations. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, twist, etc. for extended periods of time and perform activities involving holding, grasping, pulling, and turning, must be willing to work in hot/cold weather conditions if necessary.

#LI-DNI

#DBHVOL

Get early access to 50% of your earned wages at any time through our myFlexPay program.


Driven Brands logo

About Driven Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Driven Brands, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, US, is a leading automotive aftermarket services company. With its website drivenbrands.com providing a wealth of information about the services it offers, it's evident that the company is committed to providing top-notch services in the automotive industry. This enterprise, founded in 2006, vast portfolio features some of the most recognizable brands in the auto repair, maintenance, and car wash world - including Meineke Car Care Centers, MAACO, 1-800 Radiator & A/C, and more. The company's core mission is to provide comprehensive and high-quality automotive services to meet the diverse needs of its customer base. With a broad network that includes over 3,000 centers across the United States and Canada, Driven Brands has served millions of customers, a testament to its standing in the auto service industry.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2006


What Driven Brands employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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