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Car Repair Estimators

Career Opportunities for Car Repair Estimators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Discover the correct career path for you with help from Pennco Tech, offering training programs in exciting industries such as automotive technology and healthcare. Our programs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania provide hands-on learning and will prepare you to pursue a wide variety of jobs, such as car repair estimator. Learn more about this career path and its benefits.

What Is a Car Repair Estimator?

A car repair estimator, also known as a body shop estimator or collision estimator, appraises vehicle damage after an accident or weather-related incident and determines the repair costs. Estimators typically work either for insurance agencies, where they determine how much a car insurance policy covers, or for an auto repair shop, where they provide customers with an estimate of repair costs.

Standard duties of a car repair estimator include:

  • Examining vehicles with visualization tools and tests to assess the extent and type of damage
  • Recording all damage discovered on the vehicle
  • Estimating the cost of labor and parts to repair or replace all areas of damage
  • Calculating the amount of repairs an insurance company will pay for
  • Going over repair cost estimates with the shop manager or customers
  • Weighing the feasibility of repair versus replacement of parts such as bumpers, fenders, and doors
  • Determining the salvage value on total vehicle loss.
  • Filling out proper insurance forms with cost estimates and recommendations

Car repair estimators also must take into account a vehicle’s warranty coverage and the cost of parts for that specific vehicle to get an accurate estimate and help prevent car owners from paying more than they need to on repairs.

Benefits of a Career as a Car Repair Estimator

Since most people rely heavily on their cars for getting to and from work, traveling, and completing errands, they must get necessary repairs completed quickly and at affordable prices. Car repair estimators help customers do this by assessing the damage to their cars and providing an accurate estimate of repair costs. The benefits of this job include:

Variety of Possible Work Environments

A benefit of working in the automotive industry, and as a car repair estimator specifically, is the variety of work environments. Different work environments are advantageous because you can start in one area and switch to another later in your career if you want a change of pace.

For example, many estimators work at car dealerships or repair shops, where they act as a liaison between customers and management. Estimators can also work for insurance companies, determining how much they should pay the customer for the cost of the repair. Working as an independent adjuster is also an option if you’re interested in being your own boss.

Fast-Paced Work

If you’re looking for a fast-paced career where you won’t be bored at a desk, becoming a car repair estimator may be suitable for you. Estimators often have to juggle multiple repairs at one time and keep everything straight between vehicles and customers. If you’re able to multitask and want a workday with variety, consider a career as a car repair estimator.

Opportunities for Advancement

Another perk of working as an estimator is the opportunities for career advancement. Estimators often have the necessary skills for management positions and can be one of the first people to look to when promotions come up in the shop. Insurance repair estimators can also be promoted to higher roles.

Job and Salary Outlook

One of the biggest considerations on people’s minds when deciding on a potential career path is the salary and job outlook. According to Zip Recruiter, the average annual salary of a collision estimator in New Jersey is $62,161, and in Pennsylvania, $56,925. Salaries will vary depending on the work environment, location, education, certifications, and experience of each estimator.

Since the risk of collisions and damage will remain a concern as long as people operate vehicles, there will be continuous demand for skilled car repair estimators.

Gain Valuable Work Skills at Pennco Tech

Find a new career you’ll be excited to do every day with hands-on vocational training at Pennco Tech. With campuses in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, we’re proud to help people find the right career through our quality training programs. We provide financial aid for qualified students and career services to help graduates find rewarding jobs.

For those interested in pursuing a career as a car repair estimator, our collision repair program serves as an excellent first step by instructing students in the various aspects they need to know about collision repair. Contact us today to get started on your journey to a career as a car repair estimator or another role in the auto industry.

‘I got it!!!!!I got it!’, Anthony said as he raced into the Career Services Office. He was talking about his new job. Hired by a former graduate of Pennco Tech, Anthony will begin his new career with a two-day OSHA training course.

Anthony Z. - Air Conditioning/Heating Graduate

I enjoyed all my teachers. They made it interesting and challenging. I enjoyed going back to school at the age of 48! Career Services was a big help to me. Danielle was great. She helped me with my resume and showed me how to apply. I got the job with Dietz and Watson! Pennco Tech was the right choice for me as I get ready to start my career.

Mark E. - Electrician Graduate

I just wanted to say thank you again for all your help…I just got a full time job at Kennedy Healthcare in Stratford, NJ as a Patient Services Representative. Thank you again.

Maria Z. - Medical Assisting Administrative Graduate
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