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Collision Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Maintenance Worker 2nd Shift

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Nationally Recognized Automotive Trainings & Certifications (instructor-led or online) * Company ... collision repair, and fire repair.

Town of Los Gatos

Police Officer (Lateral)

Los Gatos, CA

$137K - $167K/yr

Crisis Response Team Bicycle Team Collision Reconstruction Team Defense Tactics Instructor Peer Support Team Crime Scene Investigation Team Crisis Negotiations Team Task Force Officer Explorer Police ...

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Collision Instructor information

See California salary details

$9

$27

$40

How much do collision instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for collision instructor in California is $27.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.19 and $31.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Collision Instructor?

A Collision Instructor is a professional who teaches students or trainees the skills and knowledge required to repair vehicles that have been involved in accidents. They typically work in technical schools, community colleges, or specialized training centers, providing both classroom instruction and hands-on training in areas such as auto body repair, painting, and refinishing. Collision Instructors also stay updated on the latest industry techniques and safety regulations to ensure their students are well-prepared for real-world work in the automotive collision repair field.

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

To thrive as a Collision Instructor, you need expertise in auto body repair, refinishing techniques, and instructional skills, typically supported by industry certifications such as ASE or I-CAR and relevant work experience. Familiarity with collision repair tools, computerized estimating systems, and modern repair equipment is crucial. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to mentor and motivate students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, safety, and the development of competent collision repair professionals.

What is the difference between Collision Instructor vs Collision Repair Technician?

AspectCollision InstructorCollision Repair Technician
CertificationsASE certifications, I-CAR trainingASE certifications, I-CAR training
Work EnvironmentTraining centers, classrooms, shopsAuto body shops, repair facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, training programsCollision repair shops, dealerships

Collision Instructors primarily teach and train students or technicians in collision repair techniques, often working in educational settings. Collision Repair Technicians perform hands-on repairs on vehicles in repair shops. While both roles require similar certifications and industry knowledge, Collision Instructors focus on education and training, whereas Collision Repair Technicians focus on vehicle repair and restoration.

What are some common challenges Collision Instructors face when training new technicians?

Collision Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among trainees, keeping up with rapidly changing automotive technologies, and ensuring safety protocols are consistently followed during hands-on training. Additionally, instructors must balance teaching theoretical concepts with providing practical, real-world repair experience. Effective communication and adaptability are key to addressing these challenges and helping technicians gain the confidence and competence needed for the field.
What are popular job titles related to Collision Instructor jobs in California? For Collision Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Collision Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Collision Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Collision Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Collision Instructor job openings:
Collision Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collision Instructor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,369 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Automotive Collision Repair Technology Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Fresno City College

Automotive Collision Repair Technology Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Fresno City College

State Center Community College District

Fresno, CA

$45.49 - $61.78/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

State Center Community College District rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Announcement Information
Posting Number Title Automotive Collision Repair Technology Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Fresno City College Campus Location Fresno City College Start Date Essential Functions of Position
The ideal candidate will share Fresno City College's commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. We currently enroll over 24,000 students in which 54% are Latinx, 10% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 5% are Black/African American, 23% are White, 1% American Indian/Alaska Native, and 6% are multiracial. FCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility that the College has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community. The successful candidate will join a department dedicated to the use of curriculum responsive to the students it serves. 
Providing instruction in Automotive Collision Repair Technology on the Fresno City College campus and/or at off-site community campus locations, the instructor will be responsible for: 
  • Lecture and laboratory instruction in the technical aspects of auto collision repair including: complete auto body reconstruction, frame and body straightening, welding, and painting; 
  • Observing, evaluating, and recording performance of students; 
  • Coordinating lab instruction by planning and evaluating the practical learning experience of the students; 
  • Teaching assignments in a variety of instructional settings and times, including evening and/or weekends, on-line or off-campus and large group instruction classes as needed; and 
  • Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by Administrative Regulation 7122.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and two years of directly related professional experience;
OR 
 
  • An associate degree and six years of directly related professional experience;
    OR 
     
  •  A valid California Community College Credential;
    OR 
     
  •  The equivalent education and/or experience (requires an equivalency).
 
All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom.
Desirable Qualifications
  • Extent of experience in curriculum development and revision, including student learning outcomes, supervision, instruction and program evaluation to improve student learning; 
  • Extent of experience in providing quality instruction in theory and practical learning experience; 
  • Possession of National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), A.S.E., and/or I-CAR certification; 
  • Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form; 
  • Recent experience working with African American, Latinx, Native American, and other racially minoritized students in the classroom and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusions of these groups in higher education shape patterns of participation and outcomes; 
  • Willingness to examine and remediate one's instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized students; 
  • Experience and skill with addressing issues of equity in the classroom; 
  • Potential for contribution to institutional vitality and growth; and 
  • Knowledge of the community college and its mission and goals.
Salary and Benefits
Starting rates are $45.49 - $61.78 for lecture, $38.67 - $52.55 for lab, and $38.30 - $52.05 for non-instructional. Sick leave accrual is based on assignment hours.
Selection Procedure
The selection and hiring process will be explained by the hiring department if the candidate is extended an opportunity to interview.
Additional Information Additional Information about the Position
NOTE: Fresno City College's equivalency policy reads as follows: 
 
  • Successful completion of high school or successfully passing the GED equivalent
    AND 
     
  • A minimum of eight years of experience related to Auto Body Collision and Repair, or a minimum of five years of teaching experience related to Auto Body Collision and Repair;
    AND 
     
  • Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and/or I-CAR.
 
FCC Institutional Research Site
Open Date Close Date Closing Time Open Until Filled No Quick Link https://scccd.peopleadmin.com/postings/1945

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