Highest Paying Median Auto Body Collision Repair Salaries: Ranked by U.S. State

As long as there are cars on the road, there are bound to be accidents that cause damage to vehicles.

In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's latest data, more than 6 million car accidents occur each year in the United States. And according to Allstate, the average driver will experience a collision once every 10 years.

This means there’s a continual demand for technicians specializing in repairing collision-damaged vehicles. If you have a passion for the automotive industry, enjoy working with your hands and have an eye for detail, a career as a collision repair technician, also known as an auto body repair technician, may be for you.

But first, it’s important to know what the collision repair technician salary prospects are.

Keep reading to learn about the top 10 states paying the highest median auto body repair salaries in the U.S.!

Key Summary Points

• 6 million+ car accidents occur annually in the United States, highlighting the essential role of collision repair technicians in the automotive industry. The average driver is likely to experience a collision once every 10 years, according to Allstate.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the annual median automotive body and related repairers salary was $48,740 in May 2023.²⁸ This means half of collision repair technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
• The top 10 states with the highest annual median salaries for collision repair technicians include Rhode Island ($63,360), Alaska ($62,100) and Massachusetts ($60,750), reflecting the cost of living and specific driving hazards in those regions.
• Factors such as local driving conditions, cost of living and state-specific hazards (e.g., wildlife in Wyoming, icy roads in Colorado) significantly influence the demand for skilled auto body repair technicians across different states.
• Universal Technical Institute’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program offers training for aspiring collision repair technicians, with campuses in Houston, TX, and Long Beach, CA, preparing students for careers in reshaping and restoring vehicles.¹

Read: Collision Repair Technician Resume & Interview Tips

How Much Do Collision Repair Technicians Make?

If you’ve ever considered a career in collision repair, you’ve probably wondered how much technicians make. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median salary for automotive body and related repairers in the United States was $48,740 in May 2023.²⁸ This means half of collision repair technicians earned more and half earned less.

Keep in mind that auto body tech salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

While the number stated above is an average of the earnings of all collision repair technicians in the U.S., it can be helpful to look at the average salaries of technicians in each of the 50 states as reported by the BLS. This insight can help you to understand how salaries vary across the country so you can plan out your next career move.

Read: Service King Apprentice Supervisor Shares Advice From 40+ Years of Experience

Top 10 Annual Median Salaries for Collision Repair Technicians

Median wages reported by the BLS in May 2023. Note that these are not entry-level salaries and are dependent on factors like experience, location and employer compensation.

1. Rhode Island: $63,360

Rhode Island has diverse opportunities for those looking to become auto body repair technicians. The state ranks as one of the worst states in the country to drive in. Some of the contributors to this include bad traffic and high car-ownership costs. This means collision repair technicians are needed in this state.

This state may be the smallest in the nation, but it’s bursting with coastal charm and lively culture. From the historic streets of Newport to the stunning beaches of Narragansett, there’s always something exciting to discover.

2. Alaska: $62,100

Drivers in Alaska encounter hazards such as unpaved highways, dirt roads and icy winter roads. Some routes are also single-lane drives, and there are also wildlife crossings to watch out for, like moose walking into roads. Challenges like these can cause accidents and vehicle damage, creating a need for skilled auto body repair techs.

For those who enjoy the outdoors and being off the grid, Alaska could be a fitting place to live. Teeming with wildlife and water, this state keeps you in awe of its natural beauty.

3. Massachusetts: $60,750

Having the largest urban city on the East Coast, Massachusetts sees a lot of traffic—and accidents—on its roads. In addition, according to U.S. News & World Report, prominent industries in Massachusetts are education, health services, manufacturing and technology.

A blend of historic charm and modern excitement makes Massachusetts suitable for many lifestyles. From the cobblestone streets of Boston to the scenic beauty of Cape Cod and the Berkshires, there's a lot to explore and enjoy.

Read: How Universal Technical Institute Graduates Fit the Service King Way

4. District of Columbia: $59,540

The District of Columbia is where history, culture and excitement collide. From the iconic monuments on the National Mall to the bustling nightlife of U Street, there's always something thrilling to experience. Collision repair technicians will have opportunities in D.C., thanks to its diverse industries.

In D.C., collision repair techs might find themselves restoring vehicles for busy commuters, maintaining fleets for government agencies or ensuring rental cars are ready for tourists. It could be a great place to pursue a career while soaking up all the rich culture and history the capital has to offer.

5. New Jersey: $58,920

The Garden State relies on transportation and advanced manufacturing—great for collision repair pros. From the bustling streets of Newark and Jersey City to the serene shores of Cape May, there's always something for just about everything.

This state’s collision repair technicians might find themselves fixing up vehicles for daily commuters, repairing fleets for local businesses or ensuring rental cars are in tip-top shape for visitors. It could be a great place to pursue a career while enjoying all the perks of both city and coastal living!

6. California: $58,420

California is the most expensive place to live in the U.S., CNBC reports, but the cost of living can vary significantly throughout the state. Driving hazards also vary depending on where you are. Due to accidents in situations ranging from rush hour traffic in Los Angeles to cars speeding down highways on road trips, collision repair technicians are needed throughout the state.

Read: The Apprentice: Collision Repair Technician Alyssa Culver

7. Connecticut: $57,760

Connecticut drivers have consistently ranked low for safety in the country. In 2018, a safe driving report ranked Connecticut drivers as the worst in the country after the state's drivers were ranked 49th in 2017. Maybe not the best news for residents, but it can mean a need for skilled collision repair technicians in this state.

Connecticut can be a great place to live for those who want a blend of city life and small-town charm. From the historic seaports of Mystic to the vibrant nightlife of New Haven, there's always something to see and do.

8. Nevada: $57,420

With a combination of city, suburban and rural drivers, there are plenty of accidents happening on the day-to-day that auto body technicians need to fix. The Silver State thrives on the transportation, tourism and gaming industries.

Whether restoring vehicles for locals cruising on the Strip, maintaining fleets for casinos or keeping rental cars in top shape for tourists, the demand for skilled technicians is present in this state. Plus, from the electrifying energy of Las Vegas to the stunning outdoor escapades in Lake Tahoe, there's no shortage of fun to be had.

9. Virginia: $52,300

Virginia is where history and modern life blend seamlessly. The Old Dominion thrives on the transportation, military and tourism industries. Skilled technicians in this state might be found fixing up vehicles for military personnel, supporting fleets for local businesses or ensuring rental cars are pristine for tourists.

This state's dynamic economy means a continued demand for skilled technicians. Whether you're strolling through the historic streets of Williamsburg or catching a live show in Richmond, there's something for everyone in this state.

10. Colorado: $48,070

With the snowy climate, collisions can be more common in this Rocky Mountain state. According to AutoInc., Colorado is one of the more back-logged states in the country for collision repairs because of the frequency and severity of events like hailstorms, with some customers waiting weeks to get an appointment. That means collision repairers are in demand, and Colorado might be a great state to live and work.

Colorado’s impressive landscapes provide a wide range of nature-based experiences, from mountain skiing to forest hiking. Its capital, Denver, is also home to world-class museums and a thriving nightlife scene.

Read: How a UTI Grad Became an Auto Technician for Some of the Planet’s Coolest Cars

Collision Repair Salary FAQs

1. What is the median auto body tech salary in the United States?

The median collision repair technician salary in the United States was $48,740 as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.²⁸ This figure indicates that half of all technicians earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less, showcasing the range of compensation based on various factors like location and experience.

2. How does experience level affect the salary of an auto body tech?

Experience plays a significant role in determining collision repair salary potential. Generally, those with more years in the field can pursue roles with higher wages due to their refined skills and increased efficiency, while entry-level mechanics may start at a lower auto body technician pay scale.

3. What are the top-paying states for auto body technicians?

The highest-paying states for auto body technicians include Rhode Island, Alaska and Massachusetts, where median salaries exceed $60,000. These figures reflect the varying demand for collision repair services influenced by local driving conditions and the cost of living in these states.

Read: Meet Our Instructors: Frank Cutajar

Train for a Career as a Collision Repair Technician

Wherever there are cars on the road, accidents are bound to happen. This creates a need for auto body repair technicians who can step in and repair the damage.

If working on cars and trucks and restoring them to their original condition sounds like an appealing job, UTI can help you prepare for a career in the field.¹ UTI’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program is designed to teach you the skills needed to reshape and restore a wide range of vehicles!

To learn more, visit our program page and request information online or call us at 1-800-834-7308 to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.

UTI Campuses That Offer Collision Repair Training

• Long Beach, California  
• Houston, Texas