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Body Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caliber Collision

Auto Body Apprentice

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

The Body Apprentice will also follow the mentor's direction while learning to read estimates, identify damage, repair vehicles, and check work for quality and accuracy. OUR AUTO BODY APPRENTICES FOR ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Body Apprentice

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$22/hr

The Body Apprentice will also follow the mentor's direction while learning to read estimates, identify damage, repair vehicles, and check work for quality and accuracy. OUR AUTO BODY APPRENTICES FOR ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Body Apprentice

Torrance, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

The Body Apprentice will also follow the mentor's direction while learning to read estimates, identify damage, repair vehicles, and check work for quality and accuracy. OUR AUTO BODY APPRENTICES FOR ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Body Apprentice

Torrance, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

The Body Apprentice will also follow the mentor's direction while learning to read estimates, identify damage, repair vehicles, and check work for quality and accuracy. OUR AUTO BODY APPRENTICES FOR ...

Crash Champions

Body Technician Helper

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

The Apprentice Development Program continues to prepare technicians for a successful career in the ... Crash Champions Body Technicians are essential to the repair process and must be able to perform ...

Puget Collision

Body Technician

Montclair, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Auto Body Collision Repair: Body Technician The Body Technician is a skilled craftsman with a ... Provide guidance, education, and assistance to the assigned apprentice in such a manner that ...

Puget Collision

Body Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Auto Body Collision Repair: Body Technician The Body Technician is a skilled craftsman with a ... Provide guidance, education, and assistance to the assigned apprentice in such a manner that ...

KNIESELS COLLISION INC

Body Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

Perform other related duties as assigned, including cleaning the shop, assisting other teammates, and providing leadership to body tech apprentices. * Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a ...

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All JobsBody Apprentice JobsBody Apprentice Jobs in California

Body Apprentice information

See California salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do body apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for body apprentice in California is $16.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a body apprentice?

Body Apprentices are entry-level trainees who learn the skills required to repair and restore vehicle bodies, typically under the supervision of experienced technicians in an auto body shop or collision repair center. Their duties often include tasks like removing dents, replacing panels, sanding surfaces, and preparing vehicles for painting. Body Apprentices usually participate in a formal apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This role provides a foundation for advancing to a fully qualified auto body technician.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a body apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Body Apprentice, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, sanding equipment, and safety protocols is often required, with many employers preferring candidates enrolled in or having completed an automotive body repair program. Strong communication skills, a willingness to learn, and teamwork help you stand out in this hands-on training role. These skills and qualities are important as they ensure quality repair work, safety, and a smooth learning process in a workshop environment.

What are some common challenges faced by body apprentices during the early stages of training?

Body Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the use of specialized tools, learning proper safety protocols, and developing the attention to detail required for high-quality repairs. Adapting to the fast-paced environment of an auto body shop and efficiently collaborating with experienced technicians can also be demanding at first. However, with hands-on practice and mentorship, apprentices quickly gain confidence and proficiency in performing essential tasks like sanding, painting, and panel replacement.

What is the difference between Body Apprentice vs Body Technician?

AspectBody ApprenticeBody Technician
CertificationsBasic training, on-the-job learningAdvanced certifications, ASE or I-CAR training
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, learning-focusedExperienced, independent, repair-focused
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with repairs, learning techniquesPerforming repairs, diagnosing issues, refinishing

The main difference between a Body Apprentice and a Body Technician is experience and skill level. A Body Apprentice is in training, gaining foundational skills under supervision, while a Body Technician is fully qualified, performing repairs independently. Apprentices focus on learning, whereas technicians handle complex tasks and diagnostics.

What are the most commonly searched types of Body jobs in California?

The most popular types of Body jobs in California are:

Body Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Body Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,955 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Auto Body Apprentice

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

Caliber Collision
Repair and Maintenance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Caliber Collisionexternal

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Caliber Collision rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 375 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Service Center
Carlsbad
JOB SUMMARY
Caliber Collision has an immediate job opening for an Auto Body Apprentice to perform all-purpose duties, which may include, but not limited to repairing damaged vehicles to pre-accident condition using industry-approved repair techniques and take responsibility for learning all training material and hands-on skills. The Body Apprentice will also follow the mentor's direction while learning to read estimates, identify damage, repair vehicles, and check work for quality and accuracy.
OUR AUTO BODY APPRENTICES FOR THIS POSITION CAN MAKE UP TO:
  • $18-$22 per hour
  • BENEFITS OF JOINING CALIBER
  • Benefits from day one: Immediately eligible for medical, dental and vision
  • Industry Comparable Pay - Paid weekly
  • State of the Art Products - 3M Collision Repair Products
  • Paid Vacation & Holidays - Can begin accruing day 1
  • Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
  • Paid Skilled Trainings and Certifications - I-CAR and ASE
  • A career for life: You'll gain hands-on experience within a production shop

REQUIREMENTS
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage under Caliber's insurance policy
  • Nice to have, but not required: Previous collision experience and/or Collision Vo-Tech certification

ABILITIES/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE
  • Ability to do consistent physical activity - reach below and above shoulder level, kneeling, bending, and squatting, and lifting objects over 50 lbs.
  • Be able to understand instructions - written and verbal
  • Can prioritize competing tasks and adapt easily to a fast-paced environment

Caliber is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.
Caliber uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions.

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