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Auto Restoration Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... Auto Body Technician to join our team. - Excellent pay package with Guarantee plus bonuses ... Restoring vehicles to their original condition, or better, by repairing, replacing, and upgrading ...

... Auto Body Technician to join our team. - Excellent pay package with Guarantee plus bonuses ... Restoring vehicles to their original condition, or better, by repairing, replacing, and upgrading ...

Autobody/Paint Technician Manatt's Autobody/Paint Technician works independently and as a team ... Mixes polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas, completing fiberglass ...

Summary Manatt's Autobody/Paint Technician works independently and as a team doing frame, body ... Mixes polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas, completing fiberglass ...

Auto Body Technician

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

... restore it back to pre-accident condition. The Auto Body Technician thoroughly disassembles, repairs, and reassembles each vehicle while playing a pivotal role to our company's promise of speed ...

Auto Body Technician

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

... restore it back to pre-accident condition. The Auto Body Technician thoroughly disassembles, repairs, and reassembles each vehicle while playing a pivotal role to our company's promise of speed ...

Auto Body Technician

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

... restore it back to pre-accident condition. The Auto Body Technician thoroughly disassembles, repairs, and reassembles each vehicle while playing a pivotal role to our company's promise of speed ...

Summary Manatt's Autobody/Paint Technician works independently and as a team doing frame, body ... Mixes polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas, completing fiberglass ...

Collision Repair Detailer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Apply wax to auto body and wipe or buff surfaces to protect surfaces and preserve shine using cloth ... Apply dyes and reconditioning chemical to vinyl tops of vehicle to restore color and condition

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Auto Restoration information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do auto restoration jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto restoration in Iowa is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 30-60-90 rule for cars?

The 30-60-90 rule in auto restoration refers to a structured plan for the first three months of a project, with specific goals set at 30, 60, and 90 days to ensure steady progress. Auto restorers often use this timeline to prioritize tasks such as disassembly, bodywork, and finishing, helping manage workflow and deadlines effectively.

What is auto restoration?

Auto restoration is the process of repairing and refurbishing a vehicle, typically a classic or vintage car, to bring it back to its original condition or to improve its performance and appearance. This can involve work on the engine, body, interior, and other components. Restoration projects can range from minor cosmetic fixes to complete frame-off rebuilds. The goal is often to preserve the car's historical value and functionality while maintaining or enhancing its original design.

Can you make a living restoring cars?

Auto restoration can be a viable career, especially for skilled technicians with experience in bodywork, painting, and mechanical repairs. Income varies based on location, reputation, and whether you work independently or for a shop, with some professionals earning a full-time living through restoration projects and related services.

How much money do car restorers make?

Car restorers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and the complexity of projects. Skilled restorers with specialized tools and certifications can earn higher wages, especially when working independently or running their own shops.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in auto restoration, and how can they be overcome?

Auto restoration professionals often encounter challenges such as sourcing rare or discontinued parts, dealing with extensive rust or structural damage, and balancing client expectations with budget constraints. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, a network of reliable suppliers, and a thorough understanding of restoration techniques. Collaboration with experienced team members and clear communication with clients about project timelines and costs are also essential for delivering high-quality results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Auto Restoration Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Auto Restoration Technician, you need expertise in automotive repair, bodywork, painting, and historical vehicle knowledge, often supported by vocational training or certification in auto mechanics. Familiarity with tools such as welding equipment, paint sprayers, diagnostic systems, and restoration-specific software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, patience, and strong customer communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure the restoration is both technically sound and true to the vehicle's original character, satisfying both safety standards and client expectations.

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

AspectAuto RestorationAuto Body Technician
CertificationsSpecialized restoration certifications, collision repair licensesASE certifications, collision repair certifications
Work EnvironmentRestoration shops, custom shops, restoration facilitiesCollision repair shops, auto body shops
Job FocusRestoring vintage, classic, or damaged vehicles to original conditionRepairing and refinishing vehicle exteriors after accidents
Industry UsageUsed in classic car restoration, custom projectsCommon in collision repair and insurance claims

Auto Restoration and Auto Body Technician both work in vehicle repair but differ mainly in scope. Auto Restoration focuses on restoring vintage or custom vehicles to their original condition, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Auto Body Technicians primarily repair collision damage, focusing on fixing and refinishing vehicle exteriors after accidents. While they share some certifications and work environments, their job goals and industries of focus set them apart.

How do you become a car restorer?

To become a car restorer, you typically need to gain experience through vocational training, apprenticeships, or working in auto body shops, focusing on skills like welding, painting, and mechanical repair. Many restorers also pursue certifications in auto body repair or restoration to improve their job prospects and demonstrate expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Auto Restoration jobs in Iowa? For Auto Restoration jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Auto Restoration job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,776 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Auto Body Shop Manager/Estimator-$6K/mo START GUR'TEE-$52k to $70k+/yr!(KNOXVILLE)

DeYarman Chevrolet GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Des Moines, IA

$52K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Now Hiring an Automotive Body Shop Manager/Estimator

Earn from $52,500 to $70,000/yr (based on experience/skill)

<< Starting Guarantee of $6,000/mo >> 

BASE+COMMISSION

Relocation Assistance (Negotiable Based on Experience)

For over 50+ years DeYarman Automotive Group has served Des Moines, IA and the surrounding communities.  We are currently seeking an Automotive Body Shop Manager/Estimator for DeYarman Chevrolet GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Knoxville, IA. If you are currently a Body Shop Manager seeking a change or an Estimator looking to advance their career, APPLY NOW.  If you are a Body Tech with some management experience and sales skills who is looking to use their knowledge & experience on the business side of the industry, APPLY NOW. 

What We Offer:

  • Starting Guarantee of $6,000/month

  • GENEROUS BASE SALARY+COMMISSION

  • Earn from $52,500 to $70,000/yr (based on exp/skill)

  • Great Work Schedule with Great Hours

  • Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance

  • Disability Insurance

  • 401k w/ Match

  • Paid Time Off / Paid Holidays

  • Great Facilities w/ up-to-date equipment

  • Employee/Family Discount Plan on Products, Parts & Services

  • Professional Development Assistance with Opportunities to Advance

  • Solid Job Security With a Stable Organization in Business for over 50+ years!

About the Position:

This is an active management role, running all aspects of the dealership Collision Center and your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Providing estimates for customers

  • Scheduling and assigning the repairs

  • Communicating with customers on the status of their repairs

  • Filing insurance documents and warranty paperwork

  • Ordering parts to complete repairs

  • Collecting payments

  • Staffing the shop 

  • Ensuring all local, state and federal safety guidelines for the industry are followed

  • Ensuring company policies & procedures are followed 

  • Driving customer traffic to the shop through creative marketing sources

  • Overseeing/managing our team of technicians

  • Communicating with management 

What We are Looking for:

  • Body shop experience required (dealership body shop or other collision center)

  • Experience with estimating and writing repair orders

  • Management experience/skills 

  • Strong customer service skills

  • Good sales skills to present and sell the repairs to the customer

  • The ability to build rapport with customers, friendly, high focus on CSI

  • Should be high-energy, take initiative, be creative in ways to drive business 

  • Strong communication skills, good computer skills 

  • Must be well organized with the ability to multi-task

  • Should be reliable, dependable

Don't wait- APPLY NOW and CALL 855-223-8068 to set up a face-to-face interview appointment, as all interviews are by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please be sure to include your current contact information with your application.

NO WALK-INS PLEASE.  AN APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED.

DeYarman Automotive Group 

Chevrolet GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Ford 

  • Must Possess a Valid US Driver License

  • Must Have Reliable Transportation

  • Must Be at Least 21 years of Age

  • Must Be Available for Full Time Employment

  • Must Be Authorized to Work in the U.S.

  • Drug Free Workplace

Experience/Keywords/Skills: Auto Body Shop Manager, Management Experience, Management Skills, Strategic Planning, Profit & Loss, Supervising, DRP, Direct Repair Program, Scheduling, Air Compressors (Painting, Air Tools, Airless Paint Spraying, AirTools, Alignment, ASE Certification, ASE Certified, ASE Certified Collision Repair Technician, Assembly Tech, Assembly Technician, Auto Body, Auto Body Repair, Auto Body Tech, Auto Body Technician, Auto Estimating, Auto Glass, Auto Paint, Auto Painting, Auto Repair Collision Technology, Auto Restoration, Autobody Tech, Autobody Technician, Automotive Body Disassembly, Automotive Body Filling, Automotive Body Refinishing, Automotive Brush Painting, Automotive Buffing, Automotive Bumper Repair, Automotive Cosmetic Repair, Automotive Dent Repair, Automotive Electrostatic Painting, Automotive Frame Machines, Automotive Glass Replacement, Automotive Paint, Automotive Paint Stripping, Automotive Painting, Automotive Repair, Automotive Spray Painting, Automotive Structural Repair, Automotive Wet Painting, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, Body Man, Body Panel, Body Repair, Body Shop, Body Tech, Body Technician, Body Work, Bodywork Repair Assessment, Bondo, Buffing, Bumper, Bumpers, Coating, Coating and Spraying Tool), Collision, Collision Center, Collision Repair, Collision Repair Appraisal, Collision Repair Shop, Collision Shop, Collision Technician, Conventional Spraying, Damage Analysis, Dent, Dent Repair, Dents, Disassembly Technician, Dismantle Car, Dismantle Vehicle, Door Skin, Door Skins, Fabrication, Fender, Finish Detailer, Frame Machine, Frame Repair, Glass Installation, Glass Repair, Glass Work, Hand Tools, Heavy Duty Repairs, I-CAR, I-CAR Aluminum Welding Certification, I-CAR Certification, I-CAR Platinum Certification, I-CAR Steel Welding Certification, IA Path Auto Collision Damage Certification, ICAR, Impact Tools, Light Duty Repairs, Mechanical Fabrication, Mechanical Knowledge, Medium Duty Repairs, Metal Fabrication, MIG Welding, Mixers (Painting, OEM, Paint Damage Assessment, Paint Technician, Paints, Panel, Panel Replacement, Panels, Plasma Cutting, Plastic Blow Mold, Plastic Blow Molding, Polish, PPG Certified Refinish Technician, PPG Paint, Pumps (Painting, Quarter Panel, Quarter Panels, Restoration Industry Experience, Sanding, Schematics, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Spray Guns (Painting, Spraying Tool, Structural Repair, Structural Repairs, Suspension, Teaching Spray Painting Techniques, TIG Welding, Welding, Welding Certification, Wet-Sand, Windshield, All-Lines Adjuster License, ALLDATA, ASE Certification, ASE Certified, ASE Certified Collision Repair Technician, Assembly Tech, Assembly Technician, Auto Body, Auto Body Repair, Auto Body Tech, Auto Body Technician, Auto Damage Appraiser, Auto Estimating, Autobody Tech, Autobody Technician, Automobile Claims, Automotive Blueprinter, Automotive Damage Appraiser, Blue Printer, Blueprint Reading, Blueprinter, Body Repair, Body Shop, Body Tech, Body Technician, Bodywork Repair Assessment, CCC One, CCC One Estimating, CDK, Certified Insurance Adjuster (CIA), Collision Advisor, Collision Center Advisor, Collision Center Director, Collision Center Manager, Collision Estimating, Collision Estimator, Collision Manager, Collision Repair, Collision Repair Appraisal, Collision Repair Shop, Collision Shop, Collision Technician, Communication Skills, Damage Appraiser, I-CAR, I-CAR Certification, I-CAR Platinum Certification, IA Path Auto Collision Damage Certificate, ICAR, Insurance Adjuster, Insurance Direct Repair System, Insurance Estimator, Mitchell Estimating, Paint Technician, People Skills, Plasma Cutting, Problem Solving, Sales Skills, Vehicle Damage Evaluation, Welding, etc.