Welcome to Career Corner, a regular feature in Cougar News which highlights workforce programs at Collin College. Today, we are looking at Collision Repair, one of the new programs to be offered at the Collin College Technical Campus this fall.
Collision repair technicians inspect external and internal automotive components, diagnose, disassemble, repair, paint, and reassemble cars, with emphasis on restoring the function of the vehicle as well as its appearance. While some of the work is popping out dents, it is much more than that for technicians who continually improve their skills.
There are a few common traits when it comes to the most successful collision repair technicians, according to Shaun Smith, director of Automotive and Collision Repair at Collin College. They are technically-minded with an artistic streak, and they enjoy learning new things.
“In my experience, people who work in the collision repair industry have an artistic side,” Smith said. “They want to create something beautiful out of nothing or making something beautiful again.
“The best technicians are also the ones who look at something and are curious about how it works. How does this come apart? What’s wrong with it? How can I fix that? They are fixing it in their mind before they even touch it.”
Collision repair technicians are well-compensated for their drive to make the automotive world a more beautiful place. Smith said most people do not realize how much a collision repair technician can earn if he or she is driven. He often shares the story of five technicians in a high-end repair shop in Dallas who make $250,000 a year. While those technicians are working on expensive vehicles and have years of training, certifications and the tools to make that pay, other technicians can earn good money as well.
“I think we need to change the way we look at the collision repair industry as a whole and understand it is a very viable career path,” he said. “In many cases, you could earn a living that would exceed your parents’ income.”
Students attending the Collision Repair program at the Collin College Technical Campus will learn using the latest industry equipment, including frame machines, modern downdraft paint booths, and factory spot welders.
“Anything you would see in a modern repair facility, we will have,” Smith said.
Career Outlook for Automotive Body and Related Repairers
- Average Salary: $54,500*
- 21% growth*
Program Options
Associate of Applied Science (60 credit hours)
Occupational Skills Award (14 credit hours)
Level 1 Certificate (28 credit hours)
Level 2 Certificate (45 credit hours)
For more information, visit https://www.collin.edu/academics/info/CollisionRepairInfoSheet.pdf or email Smith at smsmith@collin.edu.
For more information about workforce programs, check out the information sheets at www.collin.edu/academics/info/ or visit www.collin.edu/academics/.
* Average salary for occupation is as of 2018. Job growth projected from 2019-2025. Data obtained from JobsEQ (Collin County), O*NET, and Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas.
Note: The earning potential for employees with certifications and associate of applied science degrees may exceed the average salary.