Employment of automotive body and glass repairers is expected to grow 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The growing number of vehicles in use should increase overall demand for collision repair services during the next decade. However, overall job growth will be limited because new repair technology allows fewer workers to do more work.
In addition, advances in automotive technology have increased the prices of new and replacement parts. This increases the likelihood that a damaged car is declared "totaled"—where repairing the car costs more than its overall value. This scenario will also likely reduce demand for repair work.
Job opportunities should be very good for jobseekers with industry certification and formal training in automotive body repair and refinishing and in collision repair. Furthermore, demand for qualified workers with knowledge of specific technologies, materials, and makes and models of cars should create new job opportunities. Those without any training or experience will face strong competition for jobs.
The need to replace experienced repair technicians who retire, change occupations, or stop working for other reasons also will provide some job opportunities.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition