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Collision Repair Apprentice Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Body Technician

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $36.50/hr

Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body ... been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years. Please visit ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Body Technician

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $36.50/hr

Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body ... been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years. Please visit ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Body Technician

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $36.50/hr

Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body ... been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years. Please visit ...

All JobsCollision Repair Apprentice JobsCollision Repair Apprentice Jobs in Riverside, CA

Collision Repair Apprentice information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$30

$53

How much do collision repair apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for collision repair apprentice in Riverside, CA is $30.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $34.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 highest paying apprenticeship trade?

Among apprenticeship trades, industrial and electrical trades often offer the highest wages, especially for those who complete advanced certifications or work in specialized fields. Collision Repair Apprenticeships tend to have moderate pay, but wages can increase with experience, certifications, and union membership. Generally, trades requiring technical skills and safety certifications tend to be higher paying.

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.

How to become a collision repair technician?

To become a collision repair technician, typically one needs to complete a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a specialized training program or apprenticeship in auto body repair. Gaining hands-on experience with tools and techniques, and obtaining certifications such as those from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), can improve job prospects and skill level.

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.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Collision Repair Apprenticeships are open to individuals of various ages, and 27 is not considered too old to start. Many apprentices begin in their late teens or early twenties, but employers often value skills, motivation, and a willingness to learn over age. Age should not be a barrier to entering the trade, especially if you are committed to gaining hands-on experience and certifications.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship?

The highest paying apprenticeships for collision repair apprentices typically occur in specialized or advanced roles, such as those involving collision repair management, estimating, or working with high-end or luxury vehicles. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and certifications, with some programs offering higher wages as apprentices gain skills and certifications like I-CAR or ASE. Generally, apprentices in more skilled or supervisory tracks tend to earn higher wages during their training period.
What are the most commonly searched types of Collision Repair jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Collision Repair jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Collision Repair Apprentice jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Collision Repair Apprentice job openings:
Collision Repair Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collision Repair Apprentice job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,667 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Body Technician

Puget Collision

Montclair, CA • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description


Auto Body Collision Repair: Body Technician

The Body Technician is a skilled craftsman with a thorough understanding of how to restore automobiles with light to heavy damage through collision repair. Key responsibilities include assessing exterior damage, repairing manufacturer guidelines, ensuring necessary parts, reshaping panels with minor damage, welding and refinishing techniques as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Ensure repairs adhere to OE standards, DRP part choices, and ADAS requirements for calibrations and scanning, verifying a quality and safe repair.
  • Complete disassembly of vehicles
  • Refit new parts such as bumpers, fenders, grills, moldings, and other bolt-on and welded items.
  • Complete all repairs in a manner in which the repaired areas are restored to the original manufacturer’s specifications, including door, hood and deck alignments, chassis, and frame measurements, and welded on unibody parts.
  • Check all parts for accuracy before starting the repair and notify the Estimator of any incorrect parts or other discrepancies.
  • Work efficiently to meet the target delivery date assigned to an RO.
  • Assume responsibility for all parts assigned to your job(s)
  • Protect the interior and exterior non-repair areas of all vehicles in repair from additional damage, including dust, dirt, scratches, primer, overspray.
  • Read and understand every line item of each vehicle’s RO as pertaining to your responsibilities and visually inspect every vehicle to ensure that all the repairs are complete.
  • Provide guidance, education, and assistance to the assigned apprentice in such a manner that furthers their developmental growth.

Key Performance Metrics

  • Customer Service Index Score 95+ for Quality, Done on Time, and Net Promoter Score
  • Cycle Time Efficiency

Skills/Qualifications:

  • I-CAR Gold Class and ASE certification is a plus.
  • Complete understanding of all facets of light to heavy automobile collision repair.
  • Knowledgeable in safety guidelines for repair.
  • Skilled welder with the ability to remove and refit welded panels as well as the bolt-on items required in a typical crash repair.
  • The ability to read, understand, and perform written instructions accurately and consistently and to work independently as well as with others in an organized manner.

Behavioral Excellence Required:

  • Perform all assigned responsibilities according to the Company Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area always, adhering to 5S organization.
  • Participate in training programs as required to maintain the technical and professional skills and techniques necessary for this position.
  • Extend normal working hours as necessary to accommodate workload and customer requirements.