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Auto Reconditioning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AUTO DETAILER

Auburn, NY

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Bidleman Ford in Auburn, NY is looking for an Experienced Auto Reconditioner Bidleman Ford in Auburn, NY is seeking a talented Auto Reconditioner to join our team. If you have hands on experience ...

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Auto Reconditioning information

See salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do auto reconditioning jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto reconditioning in the United States is $20.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to start a career in car restoration?

To start a career in auto reconditioning, gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions at auto body shops, and develop skills in painting, dent repair, and detailing. Obtaining certifications such as I-CAR or ASE can improve job prospects, and familiarity with tools like sanders, paint sprayers, and polishing equipment is essential.

What does a reconditioning technician do?

A reconditioning technician restores used vehicles by repairing, cleaning, and refinishing surfaces such as paint, upholstery, and trim to improve their appearance and value. They often use tools like sanders, paint sprayers, and polishing equipment, and may need certifications in auto body repair or detailing. The role typically involves working in an auto body shop or detailing center and requires attention to detail and manual skills.

What is the highest paying job in auto body?

The highest paying jobs in auto body repair typically include auto body shop owners, collision repair shop managers, and specialized technicians such as auto body estimators or paintless dent repair specialists. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can earn six-figure salaries depending on location and business size.

What is the highest paying job in the car industry?

In the auto reconditioning industry, high-paying roles include automotive service managers and collision repair shop owners, who often earn the most due to their management responsibilities and business ownership. Skilled technicians with advanced certifications and experience can also command higher salaries, especially in specialized areas like high-end vehicle restoration or custom work.

What is auto reconditioning?

Auto reconditioning is the process of restoring used vehicles to a like-new condition, both inside and out. This includes a variety of services such as paint touch-ups, dent removal, interior cleaning, wheel repair, and fixing minor cosmetic damages. The goal is to improve the car’s appearance, increase its resale value, and make it more appealing to buyers or owners. Auto reconditioning is commonly used by dealerships, rental agencies, and individual car owners looking to maintain or enhance their vehicle.

What is the difference between Auto Reconditioning vs Auto Body Technician?

AspectAuto ReconditioningAuto Body Technician
CertificationsAuto reconditioning certifications, such as I-CAR or ASEAuto body repair certifications, such as I-CAR or ASE
Work EnvironmentDetail-oriented work in repair shops, focusing on cosmetic restorationRepairing vehicle frames and body panels in collision repair shops
Industry UsageUsed in vehicle cosmetic restoration and detailingUsed in collision repair and accident damage restoration

Auto reconditioning and auto body technicians both work in vehicle repair environments and often share certifications like I-CAR. However, auto reconditioning focuses on cosmetic restoration, detailing, and finishing, while auto body technicians handle structural repairs and collision damage. Understanding these differences helps vehicle owners choose the right service for their needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Auto Reconditioning, and why are they important?

To excel in Auto Reconditioning, a strong understanding of automotive repair, detailing techniques, and paint restoration is essential, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with specialized tools such as buffers, paintless dent repair kits, and diagnostic systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and good customer service skills help professionals stand out in this field. These competencies ensure vehicles are restored efficiently and to a high standard, leading to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

What are some common challenges faced in an auto reconditioning role, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in auto reconditioning is managing tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work, especially when preparing multiple vehicles for resale or lease return. Technicians often need to quickly assess and prioritize tasks such as detailing, minor repairs, and cosmetic touch-ups. Strong organizational skills and clear communication with team members can help address these challenges. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques can improve efficiency and job satisfaction.
More about Auto Reconditioning jobs
What cities are hiring for Auto Reconditioning jobs? Cities with the most Auto Reconditioning job openings:
What states have the most Auto Reconditioning jobs? States with the most job openings for Auto Reconditioning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Auto Reconditioning job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 52% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,917 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Auto Reconditioning/Transporter

Maguire Automotive Group

Ithaca, NY • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

The Automotive Reconditioning/Transporter cleans and refurbishes new and used automobiles.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties as assigned)

  • Wash vehicle exterior, using cleaning solution, water, cloths, and brushes.
  • Apply wax to auto body, wipe, and buff surface to protect surface and preserve shine, using cloths and buffing machine.
  • Vacuum interior of vehicle to remove loose dirt and debris using vacuum cleaner.
  • Clean upholstery, rugs, and other surfaces, using cleaning agents, applicators, and cleaning devices.
  • Apply revitalizers and preservation agents to vinyl or leather surfaces and treat fabrics with spot and stain resistant chemicals to preserve and protect interior components.
  • Clean engine and engine compartments with steam cleaning equipment and various cleaning agents to remove grease and grime
  • Apply special purpose cleaners to remove foreign materials which normal cleaning procedures do not remove, utilizing experience and judgment, and following recommendations of product’s manufacturer.
  • Paint engine components and related parts, using spray gun or aerosol can and masking materials.
  • Apply paint to chipped body surfaces of vehicles using touch-up paint.
  • Apply dyes and reconditioning chemicals to vinyl tops of vehicles to restore color and condition.
  • Check in new vehicles with transporter.
  • Coordinate delivery of new and used vehicles for sales department.
  • Clean demonstrator vehicles.
  • Maintain work area in safe and clean condition.
  • Be familiar with MSDS location and information. Must wear and/or use all provided safety/protective items.
  • Be responsible for maintenance and storage of detailing equipment and chemicals.
  • Obtain approval from used car manager for purchase of chemicals and supplies.
  • Move vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Maintain CSI in top 10% of group.
  • Adhere to dealership policies and procedures set forth by dealership management and manufacturer specifications.

Required Experience and Education:

  • High School Diploma or General Educational Diploma (GED)
  • Knowledge of automotive repair and maintenance.
  • One year of experience as a technician’s helper.

Additional Requirements:

  • Valid New York State Driver License.

Required Skills and Attributes:

  • Ability to use hand and power tools and other machinery.
  • Time-management and organizational abilities.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
  • Attention to detail.
  • speak/communicate fluent English

Equipment, Machines and Software Used:

  • Computer software: Microsoft Office to include Word, and Outlook.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands, grasp, handle or feel, push, pull, reach, crouch, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive motions of the hands and/or wrists.
  • Will stand and move throughout the dealership facility (lot, showroom, service department, offices) for most of the shift. Will spend time outdoors showing vehicles to prospective customers and to drive vehicles in traffic during test drives

Physical Exertion:

  • Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 70 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
  • Light exertion can involve sitting, walking and/or standing most of the time.

Environmental Conditions:

  • Work is performed in a dealership service department.
  • Occasional weekend and evening hours are required.
  • Will be exposed to noise, vibrations, dust, paint, cleaning solutions and other hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

Hazards and Safety Precautions:

  • Hazards: Slips, trips and falls, ergonomic injuries, and occasional lifting.
  • Safety Precautions: Breaks are encouraged to allow for stretching and training is provided covering slips, trips, and falls, safe lifting and stretching techniques.
Disclaimer:
  • All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
  • This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
  • The dealership reserves the right to add to or revise an employee's job duties at any time at its sole discretion.
  • This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.