Are you passionate about cars and interested in a career that combines technical skills with creativity? Look no further than autobody tech jobs in Billings, MT. As the largest city in Montana, Billings offers a range of job opportunities in the autobody repair industry, from collision repair technicians to autobody painters. In this article, we'll explore the career opportunities available in Billings, MT, and provide guidance on how to get started in this exciting field.
The demand for skilled autobody technicians is on the rise, driven by the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the need for high-quality repair services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of automotive body and glass repairers is projected to grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. In Billings, MT, the job market for autobody technicians is strong, with numerous repair shops, dealerships, and collision centers looking for skilled technicians to join their teams.
Types of Autobody Tech Jobs in Billings, MT
There are several types of autobody tech jobs available in Billings, MT, each with its own unique set of responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of autobody tech jobs include:
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Collision Repair Technicians
Collision repair technicians, also known as autobody technicians, are responsible for repairing and refinishing damaged vehicles. This includes tasks such as repairing or replacing body panels, aligning frames, and applying paint and coatings. Collision repair technicians must have a strong understanding of automotive repair principles, as well as the ability to work with a variety of tools and equipment.
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Autobody Painters
Autobody painters specialize in applying paint and coatings to vehicles. This includes tasks such as preparing surfaces, mixing and matching paint colors, and applying paint using a variety of techniques and equipment. Autobody painters must have a keen eye for detail and the ability to work with a variety of paint systems and materials.
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Denting and Painting Technicians
Denting and painting technicians specialize in repairing and refinishing small dents and scratches on vehicles. This includes tasks such as using specialized tools to remove dents and applying touch-up paint to affected areas. Denting and painting technicians must have a strong understanding of automotive repair principles, as well as the ability to work with a variety of tools and equipment.
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Automotive Refinish Technicians
Automotive refinish technicians specialize in refinishing and restoring vehicles to their original condition. This includes tasks such as repairing and replacing body panels, applying paint and coatings, and detailing vehicles to a high shine. Automotive refinish technicians must have a strong understanding of automotive repair principles, as well as the ability to work with a variety of tools and equipment.
Requirements and Training for Autobody Tech Jobs
While formal education is not always required for autobody tech jobs, many employers prefer candidates with a post-secondary certificate or degree in autobody repair or a related field. Some common requirements and training for autobody tech jobs include:
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Post-Secondary Certificate or Degree
Many autobody tech jobs require a post-secondary certificate or degree in autobody repair or a related field. These programs are typically offered at vocational schools, community colleges, or universities and provide students with hands-on training and instruction in autobody repair principles, tools, and equipment.
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Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are also common ways to gain the skills and experience needed for autobody tech jobs. Many employers offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs that allow candidates to learn from experienced technicians and gain hands-on experience.
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Certifications and Licenses
Some autobody tech jobs may require certifications or licenses, such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) certification or the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. These certifications demonstrate a candidate's knowledge and skills in autobody repair and can be an asset when applying for jobs.
Salary and Benefits for Autobody Tech Jobs
Autobody tech jobs can offer competitive salaries and benefits, depending on the employer, location, and level of experience. Some common salary ranges and benefits for autobody tech jobs include:
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Collision Repair Technicians
Collision repair technicians can earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on the employer and level of experience. Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
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Autobody Painters
Autobody painters can earn salaries ranging from $35,000 to over $60,000 per year, depending on the employer and level of experience. Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
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Denting and Painting Technicians
Denting and painting technicians can earn salaries ranging from $30,000 to over $50,000 per year, depending on the employer and level of experience. Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
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Automotive Refinish Technicians
Automotive refinish technicians can earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on the employer and level of experience. Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
FAQs About Autobody Tech Jobs in Billings, MT
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What kind of training do I need to become an autobody technician?
A post-secondary certificate or degree in autobody repair or a related field is typically required for autobody tech jobs. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are also common ways to gain the skills and experience needed for autobody tech jobs.
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How much do autobody technicians make in Billings, MT?
Autobody technicians can earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on the employer and level of experience.
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What kind of benefits do autobody tech jobs offer?
Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, depending on the employer and level of experience.
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How do I get certified as an autobody technician?
Certifications such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) certification or the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification can be obtained through training programs and testing.
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What kind of job opportunities are available for autobody technicians in Billings, MT?
Job opportunities for autobody technicians are available in repair shops, dealerships, and collision centers throughout Billings, MT.
What kind of training do I need to become an autobody technician?
+A post-secondary certificate or degree in autobody repair or a related field is typically required for autobody tech jobs. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are also common ways to gain the skills and experience needed for autobody tech jobs.
How much do autobody technicians make in Billings, MT?
+Autobody technicians can earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on the employer and level of experience.
What kind of benefits do autobody tech jobs offer?
+Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, depending on the employer and level of experience.
If you're passionate about cars and interested in a career that combines technical skills with creativity, consider pursuing a career as an autobody technician in Billings, MT. With the right training and experience, you can enjoy a rewarding and challenging career in this exciting field.