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Collision Repair Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Apprentice Location: Kniesel's Collision - Rocklin, 4680 Pacific St., Rocklin, CA 95677 ... Follow OEM, PPG, and Kniesel's Collision repair and refinish procedures to restore vehicles to pre ...

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Collision Repair Apprentice information

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$13

$28

$51

How much do collision repair apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for collision repair apprentice in the United States is $28.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $32.69 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 cities are hiring for Collision Repair Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Collision Repair Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Collision Repair jobs? The most popular types of Collision Repair jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Collision Repair Apprentice jobs? The top employers for Collision Repair Apprentice jobs are:
What states have the most Collision Repair Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Collision Repair Apprentice jobs include:
Infographic showing various Collision Repair Apprentice job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,068 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Collision Repair Technician

Bates Collision Centers

Channelview, TX

$51K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

TOP BENEFITS
  • Competitive Pay
  • Nights and Weekends Off (M-F 8-5p), have time to recharge & enjoy your family
  • Health Insurance (w/awesome zero $ co-pays for office & specialist visits, Urgent Care & generic RX)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance (fully paid by the company)
  • 401k plan w/100% company matching
  • Vacation Pay (starting earning on day 1)
  • Holiday Pay (Floating day given/added to PTO when holiday falls on a weekend)
  • Employee Discount
  • Free uniforms
  • Paycheck Direct Deposit
  • Transfer & advancement opportunities between locations
  • Safe, clean, and professional work environment
  • On-going training, Company Paid Certifications and I-CAR Training & opportunity for advancement
  • & Fun company sponsored employee & family events (work together, play together)
TOP PAY
  • Top Pay for Top Skills & Experience
  • We also welcome young techs looking to grow and learn in a quality shop.
TOP TEAM & CULTURE
  • Family owned, where our mission applies to our teammates & our customers: To treat your family like our family.
  • No corporate bureaucracy
  • Fun place to call home where you are appreciated & compensated for your skills
  • Quality, honesty, safety & integrity drive our decisions
  • Highly organized, clean & well equipped shop so you can focus on fixing cars & making money
  • Constant workflow with multiple DRP's & commercial accounts
  • I-Car Gold Class for over 30 consecutive years
  • We are a high-volume, high-quality shop with a 30+ year history, come see why nearly half of our team has been with us over 10 years and several over 25-you won't regret it!
Job Description
  • Examines vehicle and works closely with Bates Estimator to plan necessary repair process considering safety, factory specifications, cost and cycle time;
  • Performs quality repairs-adhering to factory specifications; while keeping in mind on-time status;
  • Vehicle Frame Repair
  • MIG & Plastic Welding
  • Vehicle Structural Parts Repair and Replacement
  • Plastic Repair
  • Body work/panel repair; files, grinds, and sands repaired panels using power tools and hand tools;
  • Glass Replacement
  • Mechanical Repairs
  • Works and communicates with others on vehicle repair status;
  • Participates in all required safety meetings;
  • Directs the work of an apprentice when needed, i.e., assists with problems or questions and explains procedures.
Qualifications:
  • 3 years experience in Collision Repair;
  • Knowledge of repair principles, techniques, and procedures;
  • Ability to review and follow factory specifications for repair procedures
  • Ability to operate equipment including but not limited to: Frame Machine & Measuring System, A/C Machine, MIG Welder, Plastic Welder.
  • Ability to measure, analyze and interpret structural measuring data
  • OE and/or I-CAR Certifications are helpful but not required;*certifications must be obtained within 6 months of hire date-company arranges and pays for all training/certifications
  • I-CAR Welding Certified
Are you a Top Tech looking for TOP PAY, TOP BENEFITS, TOP TRAINING with a TOP TEAM? Then stop scrolling - youve found your new home at Bates Collision Centers; come work for a family owned/independent shop with large company benefits?
Text/call Russell Snider (cell) 281-914-1035 or email Rsnider@batescc.com