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Body Shop Estimator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

BMW of Riverside

Body Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... Body Shop Technician.. An unrestricted California driver's license and a clean driving record and ... Responsibilities * Examine damaged vehicles and estimate repair costs * Remove upholstery ...

BMW of Riverside

Body Technician

Riverside, CA

... Body Shop Technician.. An unrestricted California driver's license and a clean driving record and ... Responsibilities * Examine damaged vehicles and estimate repair costs * Remove upholstery ...

BMW of Riverside

Body Technician

Riverside, CA

$23 - $25/hr

... Body Shop Technician.. An unrestricted California driver's license and a clean driving record and ... Examine damaged vehicles and estimate repair costs * Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical and ...

Penske

Collision Repair Appraiser

Fontana, CA

$70K - $83K/yr

Qualifications: -At least 3 years of body shop estimating experience required -Estimator Certification required -High School Diploma or equivalent required -Vocational/technical school preferred ...

Penske

Collision Repair Appraiser

Fontana, CA

$70K - $83K/yr

Qualifications: -At least 3 years of body shop estimating experience required -Estimator Certification required -High School Diploma or equivalent required -Vocational/technical school preferred ...

Penske

Collision Repair Appraiser

Fontana, CA · On-site

$70K - $83K/yr

Major Responsibilities: -Superior customer relation skills -Strong communication and people management skills -Working knowledge of body shop maintenance operations. -Completing repair estimates in ...

Geico

Auto Damage Trainee (Field)

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

... estimate vehicle repaircosts, negotiateequitablesettlements, and partner with body shops ... GEICO's industry-leading paid trainee program includes 3 weeks of required hands-on experience at ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBody Shop Estimator JobsBody Shop Estimator Trainee JobsBody Shop Estimator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Body Shop Estimator Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$31.8K

$67.9K

$102.8K

How much do body shop estimator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for body shop estimator trainee in Riverside, CA is $67,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $80,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a body shop estimator trainee do?

A Body Shop Estimator Trainee assists in evaluating vehicle damage and preparing cost estimates for repairs in auto body shops. They work alongside experienced estimators to learn how to inspect vehicles, document damages, and use estimating software. Their responsibilities also include communicating with customers, insurance companies, and technicians to ensure accurate repair assessments. This entry-level role is designed to provide on-the-job training and develop the skills needed to become a qualified estimator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a body shop estimator trainee?

To thrive as a Body Shop Estimator Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of automotive repair, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with estimating software like CCC ONE, Mitchell, or Audatex, as well as knowledge of vehicle parts and repair procedures, is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills help you interact effectively with customers, technicians, and insurance adjusters. These abilities ensure accurate repair estimates, customer satisfaction, and efficient workflow in a fast-paced body shop environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a body shop estimator trainee during their initial months on the job?

As a Body Shop Estimator Trainee, one of the main challenges you'll encounter is accurately assessing vehicle damage and preparing precise repair estimates, especially when dealing with unfamiliar makes and models. Understanding insurance company processes and learning to use estimating software can also be demanding at first. Additionally, effective communication with customers and technicians is crucial, as you'll need to explain estimates and coordinate repairs. With hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned estimators, most trainees overcome these hurdles within a few months.

What is the difference between Body Shop Estimator Trainee vs Body Shop Estimator?

AspectBody Shop Estimator TraineeBody Shop Estimator
CredentialsOn-the-job training, often no formal certification required initiallyCertifications like I-CAR, ASE, or industry-specific training often required
Work EnvironmentTraining environment within auto body shops, learning on the jobFull responsibility for estimating repairs, working directly with customers and insurance companies
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior estimators, learning estimating software, understanding repair processesPreparing detailed repair estimates, negotiating with insurers, managing repair processes

The main difference is that a Body Shop Estimator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining skills and experience, while a Body Shop Estimator is a fully responsible professional handling estimates independently. Trainees focus on training, whereas estimators handle the full scope of estimating tasks.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Body Shop Estimator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Body Shop Estimator Trainee job openings:

Body Shop Estimator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Body Shop Estimator Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,875 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Body Technician

BMW of Riverside

Riverside, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Body Technician repairs damaged parts of vehicles in accordance with factory and dealership specifications. We deliver the highest quality service while maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or GED and at least 5 years of experience as a Collision/Body Shop Technician.. An unrestricted California driver's license and a clean driving record and strong physical dexterity and stamina to get the job done are required. He or she must be able to work productively in a fast-paced team environment and must have a positive attitude, professional appearance, great communication skills, and the ability to deliver world class customer service.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer our employees: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401K, Health & Wellness Program, community involvement and company paid vacation and holidays.
Responsibilities
  • Examine damaged vehicles and estimate repair costs
  • Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical and hydraulic window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle body and fenders.
  • Remove damaged fenders and panels in addition to filling depressions with body filler.
  • Bolt or weld replacement parts in position, using wrenches or welding equipment
  • Straighten bent automobile frames.
  • File, grind and sand repaired surfaces.
  • Repair or replace defective mechanical parts.
  • Examine damaged vehicles and estimate repair costs.
  • Adjusting automobile frames to straighten them, using a pneumatic frame straightening machine.
  • File, grind and sand repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
  • Adjust headlights, wheel alignment, and bleed hydraulic brake system.
  • Repair or replace defective mechanical parts.
  • Maintain an organized and neat shop area.
  • Communicate directly with service advisors regarding the status of the service work as well as the estimated time for completion so that customers can be informed.
  • Continuously learn new technical information and techniques in formal training sessions in order to stay informed with rapidly changing automotive technology.
  • Demonstrates behaviors consistent with the Company's Values in all interactions with customers, coworkers and vendors.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • At least 5 years of experience as a Automobile Collision/Body Shop Technician ( BMW experience preferred.)
  • Collision Repair Certification highly preferred (Open to other manufacturer certifications).
  • Must have I-Car welding certifications or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of all aspects of repairs for damaged body parts and bodies of vehicles.
  • Ability to interpret vendor catalogs.
  • Must have a valid California driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to maintain composure under stress.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to interact professionally with customers, vendors, and staff.
  • Safety and customer service oriented.
  • Able to bend, kneel, squat, stand, and lift heavy objects as needed.
  • Professional appearance and work ethic.
  • Self-motivated with solid work habits.

Apply