Auto Body Technician Salary by State (2026)
Median annual pay for auto body technicians in all 51 reporting states, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025) data. Roughly 149,310 auto body technicians are employed across these states — the highest median pay is $72,490 in Rhode Island, and the typical state median is about $52,040.
Top-Paying States
Full Table: All States
| # | State | Median Annual Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $72,490 | 800 |
| 2 | California | $66,860 | 14,050 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $62,640 | 30 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $62,400 | 3,720 |
| 5 | Alaska | $61,680 | 270 |
| 6 | Minnesota | $60,970 | 2,910 |
| 7 | Hawaii | $60,540 | 450 |
| 8 | Missouri | $60,540 | 4,350 |
| 9 | Nevada | $60,520 | 1,020 |
| 10 | Oregon | $60,000 | 1,660 |
| 11 | Colorado | $59,880 | 3,120 |
| 12 | Massachusetts | $59,300 | 3,060 |
| 13 | Washington | $58,340 | 2,330 |
| 14 | Connecticut | $58,220 | 1,850 |
| 15 | Virginia | $57,760 | 3,720 |
| 16 | Montana | $57,500 | 500 |
| 17 | Michigan | $56,880 | 5,010 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | $56,660 | 2,690 |
| 19 | Maryland | $56,100 | 2,930 |
| 20 | North Dakota | $55,160 | 680 |
| 21 | Arizona | $54,510 | 2,750 |
| 22 | Nebraska | $54,130 | 1,120 |
| 23 | Pennsylvania | $53,660 | 6,650 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $53,290 | 2,140 |
| 25 | New Hampshire | $52,790 | 750 |
| 26 | Alabama | $52,040 | 1,810 |
| 27 | Illinois | $52,020 | 5,750 |
| 28 | Texas | $51,700 | 14,070 |
| 29 | Georgia | $51,190 | 4,680 |
| 30 | Indiana | $51,160 | 3,780 |
| 31 | Vermont | $50,900 | 320 |
| 32 | North Carolina | $50,520 | 5,180 |
| 33 | Maine | $50,350 | 680 |
| 34 | Utah | $50,200 | 1,590 |
| 35 | Mississippi | $49,500 | 1,380 |
| 36 | South Dakota | $49,460 | 800 |
| 37 | Iowa | $49,400 | 1,830 |
| 38 | Arkansas | $49,310 | 1,140 |
| 39 | Idaho | $49,200 | 850 |
| 40 | Wyoming | $49,200 | 200 |
| 41 | Ohio | $49,080 | 5,950 |
| 42 | Kansas | $48,920 | 1,530 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $48,810 | 2,330 |
| 44 | Delaware | $48,780 | 340 |
| 45 | Florida | $48,600 | 9,220 |
| 46 | New Mexico | $48,260 | 810 |
| 47 | New York | $47,670 | 8,530 |
| 48 | Tennessee | $47,460 | 3,970 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $47,150 | 1,660 |
| 50 | West Virginia | $47,090 | 670 |
| 51 | Kentucky | $46,080 | 1,680 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 state estimates. "—" means BLS did not publish an estimate for that state. Wages are medians — half of workers earn more. Click a column header to sort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do auto body technicians earn more in some states than others?
Collision repair pay follows local labor rates, vehicle density, and whether shops are independent or dealer- and insurer-affiliated. Metro areas with higher labor rates and more late-model vehicles — which need aluminum, composite, and sensor recalibration work — pay the most. Many techs are paid flat-rate, so shop volume matters as much as the posted wage.
Is this what a beginner auto body technician makes?
No — these are median wages across all experience levels, so half of auto body technicians earn more and half earn less. Apprentices and entry-level workers typically start around 40–60% of the experienced rate, with scheduled raises as they complete training. Within a few years, most reach or pass the figures in this table.
Do auto body technicians need a college degree?
No. Most auto body technicians train through paid apprenticeships or short certificate programs and earn while they learn — no four-year degree or student debt required. See our guide on how to become an apprentice.
Next Steps
Pay is only half the picture — training path, licensing, and demand matter just as much. Start here:
Full Auto Body Technician Career Guide → Compare All 31 Trades → How to Become an Apprentice