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Collision Repair Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 collision repair industry. This program reflects essential competencies to prepare Apprentice ...

Puget Collision

Body Technician

San Clemente, 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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsCollision Repair Apprentice JobsCollision Repair Apprentice Jobs in California

Collision Repair Apprentice information

See California salary details

$13

$28

$50

How much do collision repair apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for collision repair apprentice in California is $28.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a collision repair apprentice?

A Collision Repair Apprentice is an entry-level worker in the automotive repair industry who is learning to restore vehicles damaged in accidents. Under the supervision of experienced technicians, apprentices assist with tasks such as removing dents, replacing damaged parts, and refinishing surfaces. They gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge through on-the-job training and, in some cases, classroom instruction. This role is an important step toward becoming a fully certified collision repair technician.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collision repair apprentice?

To thrive as a Collision Repair Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of automotive repair, hand and power tool proficiency, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like frame straighteners, welding equipment, and estimating software, as well as certifications from organizations like I-CAR, are valuable. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality repairs, efficient teamwork, and successful progression in the collision repair industry.

What are some common challenges faced by collision repair apprentices during their training period?

Collision Repair Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the use of specialized tools, learning to accurately assess vehicle damage, and keeping up with the latest repair technologies. Working alongside experienced technicians, apprentices must quickly adapt to a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and safety are critical. Additionally, balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can be demanding, but it offers valuable hands-on experience and builds a strong foundation for career advancement in the automotive repair industry.

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

AspectCollision Repair ApprenticeCollision Repair Technician
CredentialsOn-the-job training, some certificationsCertifications often required (e.g., I-CAR, ASE)
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised workFull-time, independent repair work
Industry UsageEntry-level role, training phaseExperienced professional, repair specialist

The Collision Repair Apprentice is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining hands-on experience under supervision. The Collision Repair Technician is a more experienced role responsible for performing repairs independently, often requiring certifications. Both roles are integral to the auto body repair industry, with apprentices progressing toward becoming technicians.

Does Caliber Collision have a collision repair apprentice program?

Caliber Collision offers a collision repair apprentice program designed to train individuals in auto body repair, including skills such as welding, sanding, and painting. The program typically combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction and may lead to certification in collision repair techniques.

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

The most popular types of Collision Repair jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Collision Repair Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Collision Repair Apprentice job openings:

Collision Repair Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collision Repair Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,282 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Body Technician Helper

Crash Champions

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Crash Champions rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 371 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Champions Do More

Crash Champions is home to a collection of team members driven by a deeply-rooted purpose and guided by a powerful principle: Here, We Do More.

It’s the Crash Champions DNA and it’s the mark of who we are. Above everything, we believe in what we do; and we hold fast to the conviction of why we do it. As the largest founder-led collision repair service provider in the U.S., we serve our customers and business partners with an unexpected level of personal and professional service to build trust at every touch point.

Responsibilities

REPORTS TO: General Manager

Job Summary:

The Apprentice Development Program continues to prepare technicians for a successful career in the collision repair industry. This program reflects essential competencies to prepare Apprentice technicians with education for successful careers with Crash Champions. The Apprentice Supervisor will provide structured, supervised direction to the apprentice. The Apprentice commits to utilizing the Crash Champions Apprentice Development Program (ADP) competency-based curriculum, on-the-job training, personal development activities and competency assessments. The Apprentice Supervisor will aid in guiding the apprentice in building competence and confidence.

Repairs accident-related damage to vehicles, restoring them to pre-collision condition in accordance with industry standards and factory specifications. Crash Champions Body Technicians are essential to the repair process and must be able to perform quality repairs in a timely matter, always keeping the customer’s satisfaction in mind.

An Apprentice must be able to handle multiple tasks and ensure safety, quality, and efficiency are achieved.

Fundamental Responsibilities:

  • Comprehend and demonstrate the values of Crash Champions Collision Repair Centers
  • Comprehend and demonstrate activities to achieve performance goals
  • Demonstrate safe and approved repair methodologies and techniques according to Crash Champions policies and Standard Operating Procedures
  • Examine damaged vehicle and efficiently plan repair process
  • Provide appropriate communication with Service Advisors, General Managers, Production Managers, and all other internal and external customers
  • Perform quality repairs, while keeping in mind on-time status
  • Make decisions on repair vs. replace considering safety, cost, and cycle time
  • Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical and hydraulic window operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle and fenders
  • Participate in all required safety meetings
  • File, grind, and sand repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools
  • Follows direction of Apprentice Supervisor, General Manager and/or Apprentice Development Manager on various tasks, projects, and repair procedures
  • Instruct and demonstrate effective organizational skills, proper vehicle care, part verification and check-in
  • Comprehend and follow timelines of Apprentice Development Program curriculum
  • Strive to achieve Apprentice Development Program Master Duty completion deadlines
  • Strive to achieve repair goals according to Apprentice Development Success Plan and Goals
  • Perform special projects or related work, as assigned
  • Must have consistent attendance, including the ability to work regular hours and shifts, before and after hours, and on weekends, when required
  • Must complete and pass required background checks

Qualifications

Requirements:

For the duration of the program, participants shall remain employees of the US Department of Defense and all compensation and benefits shall continue to be paid through the US Department of Defense during such period. There is no guarantee of future employment for the Skill Bridge Apprentice Technician program participant but opportunities for employment may be provided upon successful completion of the program.

Submit a Referral (https://field-crashchampions.icims.com/jobs/2515/body-technician-helper/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-1834383836)

Location US-CA-Santa Rosa

ID 2023-2515

Position Type Regular Full-Time

Remote No

What Crash Champions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Crash Champions logo

About Crash Champions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1999, and based in Chicago, IL, Crash Champions, LLC ("Crash Champions"or the"Company") is the fifth largest independent collision repair chain in the United States, with an established presence in 17 states- and formal direct repair program ("DRP") relationships with most leading insurance carriers. The Company is led by founder and CEO Matt Ebert, who maintains an impressive track record of both organic and acquisition growth. As an acquiror of choice with a value-added capital partner, Crash Champions is expected to grow from a multi-regional business into a nationally recognized provider of collision repair services. Based upon the current pipeline of acquisitions and greenfield openings.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westmont, IL, US

Year founded

1999

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