Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.88
Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.87
Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.86
Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorized sanders.85
Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.83
Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.82
Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.81
Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.80
Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.80
Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.79
Fill small dents that cannot be worked out with plastic or solder.79
Remove damaged sections of vehicles using metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches, and install replacement parts using wrenches or welding equipment.78

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Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.78
Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle bodies and fenders.78
Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in restoring damaged areas.77
Fit and secure windows, vinyl roofs, and metal trim to vehicle bodies, using caulking guns, adhesive brushes, and mallets.77
Adjust or align headlights, wheels, and brake systems.74
Replace damaged glass on vehicles.73
Remove damaged panels, and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on a vehicle.73
Apply heat to plastic panels, using hot-air welding guns or immersion in hot water, and press the softened panels back into shape by hand.72
Clean work areas, using air hoses, to remove damaged material and discarded fiberglass strips used in repair procedures.71
Read specifications or confer with customers to determine the desired custom modifications for altering the appearance of vehicles.68
Soak fiberglass matting in resin mixtures and apply layers of matting over repair areas to specified thicknesses.64
Cut openings in vehicle bodies for the installation of customized windows, using templates and power shears or chisels.61
Measure and mark vinyl material and cut material to size for roof installation, using rules, straightedges, and hand shears.60

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Repairing56
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting53
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Listening50
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operation and Control47
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension47
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Equipment Selection44
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance41
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Writing35
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies31
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Installation25
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operations Analysis25
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science6
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Mechanical65
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service56
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Production and Processing53
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics50
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language49
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Transportation49
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Engineering and Technology44
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Public Safety and Security39
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Education and Training38
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management37
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics34
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Physics33
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

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Building and Construction31
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Law and Government30
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Chemistry28
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Design23
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Sales and Marketing19
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Administrative16
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Economics and Accounting16
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources14
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Communications and Media13
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Fine Arts12
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Foreign Language12
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Psychology12
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Telecommunications11
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Geography4
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology3
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling3
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology1
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Food Production—
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology—
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry—
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology—
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Arm-Hand Steadiness63
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity60
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Visualization60
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Finger Dexterity56
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension56
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity56
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Visual Color Discrimination56
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Control Precision53
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Multilimb Coordination53
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

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Oral Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Auditory Attention50
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning47
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Hearing Sensitivity47
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Depth Perception44
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Reaction Time44
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Dynamic Strength41
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Stamina41
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Gross Body Coordination38
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium38
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Wrist-Finger Speed38
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Speed of Limb Movement35
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Explosive Strength31
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Time Sharing31
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Written Expression31
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning28
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Rate Control28
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation28
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility22
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information77
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems76
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment73
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events72
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials72
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work72
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards70
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information70
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Thinking Creatively68
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

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Handling and Moving Objects66
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities62
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment62
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Scheduling Work and Activities61
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies59
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People57
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others56
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information54
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Analyzing Data or Information51
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coaching and Developing Others51
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Controlling Machines and Processes51
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships50
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Working with Computers46
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others45
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources45
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment44
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Documenting/Recording Information43
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates43
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public43
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment43
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others43
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing and Building Teams41
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization40
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others40
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Assisting and Caring for Others38
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others38
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities33
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others29
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units24
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail81
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability73
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness55
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance48
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance41
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation39
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Integrity34
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence31
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Self-Control27
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability24
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation21
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity21
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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Sincerity16
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Initiative12
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Innovation11
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Optimism9
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility3
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic100
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional39
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative10
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising8
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic7
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social1
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day100%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually95%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day88%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Time Pressure
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day47%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day81%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day84%
- Never11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important52%
- Very important36%
- Important12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours66%
- 40 hours34%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually52%
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time30%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually37%
- More than half the time52%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom58%
- Some freedom17%
- Very little freedom20%

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Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
- Never13%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day74%
- Never21%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually41%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time23%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom32%
- Some freedom42%
- Limited freedom18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day56%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Never20%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually31%
- More than half the time50%
- Less than half the time19%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results57%
- Moderate results19%
- No results11%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day63%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never18%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive18%
- Highly competitive54%
- Moderately competitive15%
- Slightly competitive13%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility11%
- Moderate responsibility56%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others39%
- Contact with others most of the time19%
- Contact with others about half the time13%
- Occasional contact with others17%
- No contact with others12%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually11%
- More than half the time47%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time23%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious12%
- Very serious41%
- Serious25%
- Fairly serious17%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never33%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important12%
- Very important39%
- Important12%
- Fairly important24%
- Not important at all14%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility25%
- High responsibility23%
- Limited responsibility22%
- No responsibility23%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important13%
- Very important22%
- Important25%
- Fairly important21%
- Not important at all20%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)17%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)31%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)46%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important35%
- Fairly important25%
- Not important at all30%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never23%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never31%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Never57%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important19%
- Important21%
- Fairly important34%
- Not important at all26%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Never48%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never53%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important18%
- Very important14%
- Fairly important13%
- Not important at all55%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week47%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never41%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never47%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- More than half the time20%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time19%
- Never49%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day17%
- Never71%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never65%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated16%
- Slightly automated15%
- Not at all automated63%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time56%
- Never40%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)22%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)78%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never72%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never68%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time19%
- Never81%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never88%
E-Mail
- Never95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never95%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Word
Analytical or scientific software
Collision damage estimation software, Collision damage measurement software, Paint mixing and matching software, Swan River Estimiser Pro
Data base user interface and query software
AutoZone ALLDATA, Equipment management information software
Point of sale POS software
Automotive and Accounting Software by R*KOM Invoice Writer
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
Accounts receivable software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Calendar and scheduling software
Appointment scheduling software
Inventory management software
Materials management software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.
Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
Install vehicle parts or accessories.
Operate welding equipment.
Paint surfaces or equipment.
Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
Apply protective coverings to objects or surfaces near work areas.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
Remove dents from equipment, materials, tools or structures.
Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
Plan work procedures.

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Remove parts or components from vehicles.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Install machine or equipment replacement parts.
Prepare compounds or solutions to be used for repairs.
Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
Replace vehicle glass.
Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
Clean work areas.
Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
Measure distances or dimensions.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Automobile Body Repairer
Service Mechanic (Auto Mfg)
Truck Body Builder

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology