Auto Body Repair Technician Jobs in Arlington, TX
Auto body repair technicians in Arlington handle collision work from I-20, I-30 and SH 360 traffic, and regional networks like Texas Collision Centers and Crash Champions are hiring body techs and helpers around Tarrant County. Here are the current openings, followed by who is hiring, what it pays and how to train.
Current auto body repair technician Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Auto Body Repair Technician Work in Arlington
Collision repair in Arlington runs through a handful of large networks rather than one big employer. Crash Champions, which absorbed Service King, operates a shop on West Pioneer Parkway plus another in Pantego. Caliber Collision runs an Arlington Southwest repair center in the 76012 ZIP code, and Gerber Collision & Glass works just across the line in Grand Prairie. Texas Collision Centers names its Arlington shop among the locations where it wants body technicians and helpers.
Most of this work is insurance-driven, and the networks lean on I-CAR training because I-CAR's Gold Class standard requires trained people in specific roles, including refinish technician. That makes certification a real hiring advantage here, even though Texas does not license body techs. Openings shift between shops week to week, so the search below covers Arlington, Pantego, Grand Prairie and nearby Tarrant County towns.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Auto Body Repair Technicians
These collision networks have posted body technician, helper or painter roles in Arlington or nearby Tarrant County on their own career sites:
- Texas Collision Centers - the DFW collision chain lists its Arlington shop among preferred locations for full-time Auto Body Technician and Body Tech Helper openings, with I-CAR certification preferred.
- Crash Champions - the national network runs a shop at 2300 W Pioneer Pkwy and is hiring auto body technicians in North Richland Hills and collision estimators in Grand Prairie.
- Caliber Collision - the Lewisville-headquartered network runs an Arlington Southwest repair center and has posted auto painter helper roles in nearby Bedford.
Auto Body Repair Technician Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about $17 to $20 per hour for helpers, preppers and apprentice body techs.
- Experienced: roughly $22 to $32 per hour, often paid on flag hours or commission.
- Senior / specialist: about $35 to $42 per hour, or $75,000 to $88,000 a year, for structural and refinish specialists.
These are estimates. Nationally, automotive body repairers earned a median of $54,890 in May 2025, with the top 10 percent above $87,940, and the Dallas-Fort Worth average for installation, maintenance and repair jobs was $29.86 an hour. Pay moves most with production: techs paid on flag hours earn more when the shop is busy and they work fast without comebacks. Structural, aluminum and refinish skills, plus I-CAR ProLevel training, push pay toward the top band.
How to Become an Auto Body Repair Technician in Arlington
Texas has no state license for auto body technicians, so employers judge you on training, I-CAR credentials and experience. The closest college program is Tarrant County College's Automotive Collision Repair program at TCC South Campus in south Fort Worth, which offers a 60-hour AAS degree and two 21-hour Level 1 certificates, Automotive Refinishing and Automotive Metal Repair. Many techs start as a body tech helper or painter helper, learn in the shop, and add I-CAR ProLevel training as they go. Arlington ISD students can get an early start in the automotive cluster at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.
What the Job Involves
Body technicians repair the structural and cosmetic damage on vehicles after collisions. The work includes reading repair orders and service manuals, removing and replacing panels, straightening frames with measuring systems, welding, filling and sanding, and preparing surfaces for paint. Shops expect techs to work in a noisy area with paint and chemical odors, lift around 50 pounds regularly, and bend, kneel and reach overhead through the day.
Skills Employers Look For
- I-CAR training, with ASE collision certification a plus
- Panel replacement and body filler work
- Welding and frame measuring experience
- Comfort with computer diagnostic equipment
- Reading repair orders and OEM repair procedures
- Steady production without rework
Career Path and Advancement
Most Arlington body techs start as a helper or prepper, move up to body technician, then specialize in structural repair or refinish painting. From there the path runs to lead tech, collision estimator and shop manager, and the big networks post estimator roles across the area, including Crash Champions in Grand Prairie. Techs who finish TCC's collision AAS and keep up with I-CAR training tend to move up fastest.
Related Careers in Arlington
If auto body repair interests you, these related Arlington roles are close matches:
- Automotive Technician Jobs
- Automotive Service Advisor Jobs
- Diesel Mechanic Jobs
- Tire Technician Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be an auto body technician in Texas?
No. Texas does not license auto body technicians. Employers look for I-CAR training and ASE collision certifications instead, and collision networks that hold I-CAR Gold Class status need trained techs to keep it.
How much do auto body technicians make in Arlington?
Helpers and apprentices generally start around $17 to $20 an hour, experienced body techs earn roughly $22 to $32, and structural and refinish specialists can reach $35 to $42. Flag-hour and commission pay means your output drives your check.
Where can I train for collision repair near Arlington?
Tarrant County College's South Campus in south Fort Worth offers an Automotive Collision Repair AAS plus Level 1 certificates in Automotive Refinishing and Automotive Metal Repair. Each certificate is 21 credit hours, and the AAS is 60.
Can I start in a body shop with no experience?
Yes, usually as a helper. Texas Collision Centers posts Body Tech Helper roles that require you to be at least 18, and Caliber has posted painter helper roles in Bedford. Helpers learn on the job while working toward I-CAR training.
Is collision repair physically demanding?
Yes. Postings describe regular lifting of about 50 pounds, bending, kneeling and reaching overhead, in a noisy shop with paint odors. Good ventilation and protective gear are part of the job.
Ready to apply? Browse all Auto Body Repair Technician jobs in Arlington, TX on LocalJobPage and apply today.