Auto Body Painters

Career Opportunities for Auto Body Painters in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Are you ready to begin training for a hands-on trade career in an exciting industry? Consider enrolling in an automotive training program at Pennco Tech, where you can take the first step toward an exciting career in an in-demand field. With campuses in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, Pennco Tech is here to help you get started in the automotive field. Learn more about becoming an auto body painter and the benefits of working in this role.

What Is an Auto Body Painter?

An auto body painter is just what it sounds like – someone who paints the bodies of automobiles and other vehicles. This usually is done after a collision or if a customer simply wants to maintain the appearance of their car and prevent rust. Many auto body painters work in auto repair shops, manufacturing plants, or custom paint shops. They will perform all the tasks related to prepping, painting, and finishing the exteriors of vehicles.

Common duties of an auto body painter are:

• Choosing and mixing the proper paint for each job
• Sanding, priming, and preparing the work surface by removing rust, grease, and dirt
• Masking and taping parts that won’t be painted to protect them
• Applying putty to dents and cavities to fill and smooth them
• Setting up and using paint and coating machines, such as sprayers
• Calculating paint thickness for an even application
• Restoring coatings and seam sealers
• Applying unique or customized paint details
• Thoroughly inspecting the body for workmanship quality
• Controlling the temperature and humidity for proper drying

Different work settings may have varying responsibilities for auto painters.

Benefits of Being an Auto Body Painter

Becoming an auto body painter is a promising career path for creative and artistic people and those who want a hands-on trade job. There are many benefits to pursuing this career, including:

No College Degree Required

One benefit of this career choice is that you don’t need to have a college degree. Most auto painter jobs require only a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes it excellent for young people right out of high school who may not want to enroll in a traditional, academic college program. Although you don’t need a college degree, you will usually have to complete a vocational or trade school certificate to be qualified.

Variety of Possible Work Environments

Another benefit of being an auto body painter is that you have options regarding where you’d like to work and what type of painting you’ll do. You can start in one location and then move to another later on in your career to advance your skills.

Options for work environments include custom paint shops doing detail work, car dealerships or manufacturers doing professional or luxury jobs, or collision repair shops, helping people get their cars looking like new.

Rewarding Work

Perhaps the best advantage of working as an auto body painter is the satisfaction you’ll get from providing quality work and helping people get back on the road. It’s rewarding to know you can improve the look of someone’s car and give them back their transportation in better condition. The automotive industry is also constantly evolving, and it can be satisfying to keep learning new techniques and ways to improve your craft. If you love cars, you can even make a hobby out of your career by practicing on your own time.

Job and Salary Outlook

If you’re interested in becoming an auto body painter, you’re probably wondering about the salary and job outlook. According to ERI Economic Research Institute, the average annual salary for an auto body painter is $56,812 in Pennsylvania and $64,443 in New Jersey.

Individual salaries will depend on the exact location, certifications, skills, and experience of each worker. Auto painters who work in repair shops may earn extra money with overtime, bonuses, or commissions.

In terms of job outlook, overall employment of painting and coating workers is estimated to grow 3% from 2021 to 2031. There will still be demand for trained and talented auto body painters in repair shops and custom paint shops. There are also ways for auto painters to advance in their careers, whether by doing custom work for higher-end clients or owning businesses of their own.

Explore Careers at Pennco Tech

Since 1973, Pennco Tech has been helping people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania obtain the training they need to pursue the career paths of their dreams. Our vocational training programs, like our collision repair program, feature hands-on instruction using advanced equipment and updated techniques to help prepare you for your career. We provide financial aid for qualified students and career services to help graduates find rewarding jobs. Programs at Pennco Tech are a great stepping stone for a career in the automotive field, so contact us today to get started.