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Body Shop Helper Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Progressive

Auto Damage Claims Adjuster

Warwick, RI

$73K - $89K/yr

Progressive is dedicated to helping employees move forward and live fully in their careers. Your ... Negotiate repair process with body shops * Document information related to the claim and make ...

U-Haul

Vanbody Specialist

Warwick, RI · On-site

We provide robust wellness benefits, events, and resources to help team members become the happiest ... U-Haul offers Body Shop Technicians: * Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days, if eligible * Career ...

U-Haul

Vanbody Specialist

Warwick, RI · On-site

We provide robust wellness benefits, events, and resources to help team members become the happiest ... U-Haul offers Body Shop Technicians: * Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days, if eligible * Career ...

Target Brands, Inc.

Starbucks Barista (T2073)

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$17.25/hr

Working at Target means the opportunity to help all families discover the joy of everyday life ... Follow body language and verbal clues to tailor your approach * Engage with guests in a genuine way ...

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All JobsBody Shop Helper JobsBody Shop Helper Jobs in Rhode Island

Body Shop Helper information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do body shop helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for body shop helper in Rhode Island is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Body Shop Helper vs Body Shop Technician?

AspectBody Shop HelperBody Shop Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; often ASE or manufacturer certifications
Work EnvironmentAssists with basic tasks in auto body shopsPerforms repairs, diagnostics, and detailed bodywork
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level support role in auto repair shopsSkilled professional responsible for vehicle repairs

The main difference between a Body Shop Helper and a Body Shop Technician is the level of skill and responsibility. Helpers assist with basic tasks and support technicians, while technicians perform detailed repairs and diagnostics. Both roles are essential in auto body shops, but technicians require more training and certifications.

What is a body shop helper?

Body shop helpers assist technicians in automotive repair shops by performing a variety of tasks such as preparing vehicles for repair, sanding surfaces, removing and installing parts, and cleaning work areas. They play a key supporting role, making sure that the body shop runs efficiently and that vehicles are ready for more advanced repair work by skilled technicians. Body shop helpers often learn on the job and may eventually advance to higher-level positions in auto body repair.

What are some common challenges a body shop helper may face in their daily work?

As a Body Shop Helper, you may encounter challenges such as working in a physically demanding environment and handling multiple tasks simultaneously, like prepping vehicles, assisting technicians, and maintaining shop cleanliness. Learning to prioritize tasks efficiently and communicate clearly with body technicians and painters is crucial. Additionally, adapting to various tools and safety procedures is important for both productivity and personal well-being. Over time, these challenges offer valuable hands-on experience and can open pathways to more advanced roles in auto body repair.

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

To thrive as a Body Shop Helper, you need knowledge of basic automotive repair, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, shop safety procedures, and sometimes experience with paint preparation or sanding processes are typical requirements. Strong work ethic, teamwork, and willingness to learn are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient workflow, high-quality repairs, and a safe working environment in the body shop.

What are the most commonly searched types of Body Shop jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Body Shop jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Body Shop Helper jobs in Rhode Island?

For Body Shop Helper jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Body Shop Helper jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Body Shop Helper jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Body Shop Helper jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Body Shop Helper job openings:

Body Shop Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Body Shop Helper job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,072 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Auto Damage Claims Adjuster

Progressive

Warwick, RI

$73K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Progressive Insurance rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 596 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 306 rated insurance

Job description

Progressive is dedicated to helping employees move forward and live fully in their careers. Your journey has already begun. Apply today and take the first step to Destination: Progress.
As an auto damage claims adjuster, you’ll serve as Progressive’s point of contact with customers – directing and making decisions regarding the repair process from beginning to end. Managing your own inventory while working independently, you’ll work closely with body shops and others to negotiate repair pricing and assess liability. Ideal candidates will possess leadership and conflict management skills, along with strong attention to detail and a passion for providing excellent customer service.
This is a field position with access to a company car and frequent driving within your assigned geographical area. We assess our workload collectively, which means you may cover assignments outside your geographical area. You may also be required to report into an office occasionally.
Duties and responsibilities
  • Complete vehicle inspections, write estimates, determine total loss evaluations, and set clear expectations and timelines
  • Negotiate repair process with body shops
  • Document information related to the claim and make decisions consistent with claims standards and local laws 
  • Evaluate and handle claim payments and resolution of claims without payments 
  • Review and determine validity of any supplement requests
Must-have qualifications
  • A minimum of four years of relevant work experience with one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance experience
  • {OR} Associate's degree and a minimum of three years relevant work experience with one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance experience
  • {OR} Bachelor's degree and a minimum of one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance experience
  • Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and compliance with Progressive’s driving standards and/or policies 
Territory
  • This position covers the geographical territory of Warwick, RI and surrounding areas. We assess our workload collectively, which means you may cover assignments outside of your geographical area as well.
Compensation
  • $73,400/year- $89,700/year
  • Gainshare annual cash incentive payment up to 16% of your eligible earnings based on company performance
Benefits
  • 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6%
  • Medical, dental & vision, including free preventative care
  • Wellness & mental health programs
  • Health care flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, & life insurance
  • Paid time off, including volunteer time off
  • Paid & unpaid sick leave where applicable, as well as short & long-term disability
  • Parental & family leave; military leave & pay
  • Diverse, inclusive & welcoming culture with Employee Resource Groups
  • Career development & tuition assistance
Physical requirements and working conditions
The physical requirements and working conditions listed below are representative of those required on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
  • Individual will work in the field, office, body shop, network shop, or service center. environment and at time be expected to lift, bend stretch, walk, crouch, twist and/or lay on floor.
  • Exposure to fumes, dust and odors from chemicals/solvents typically found in body shops.
  • Must be able to move and/or lift 20 lbs.
  • Involves standing and walking around the room to monitor work (e.g., training).
  • Requires long periods of standing (e.g., mailroom).
  • Involves frequent driving.
  • Required to climb, balance, stoop, crouch and crawl.
Energage recognizes Progressive as a 2025 Top Workplace for: Innovation, Purposes & Values, Work-Life Flexibility, Compensation & Benefits, and Leadership.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without the need or potential need, of current or future sponsorship for employment. Progressive does not hire candidates with (e.g., F-1 CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN) statuses for this role.
For ideas about how you might be able to protect yourself from job scams, visit our scam-awareness page at https://careers.progressive.com/pages/how-we-hire-faq-job-scams/

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