How to become a Panelbeater

Also called: Collision Repairer

Repairs damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and forms replacement vehicle panels.

Main tasks

• Assesses vehicle damage and determines the best method of repair
• Removes damaged panels and parts, and straightens bent frames and panels using hydraulic jacks and pulling devices
• Fills depressions with body filler, smooths surfaces using sandpaper, and fits and welds replacement panels into place
• Repaints repaired surfaces using spray guns and other painting equipment
• Reassembles vehicle parts and checks for proper alignment and functioning
• Tests repaired vehicles to ensure safety and quality standards are met

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR20920); Certificate II in Automotive Underbody Technology (AUR21220); Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32120); Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420); Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology (AUR32518)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $96,096 a year
• About 11,000 people work in this job group now, and about 11,000 are projected by 2035. (+0%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Automotive Technician (General)
• Automotive Electrician
• Agricultural Mechanic
• Bicycle Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Electric Vehicle Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Panelbeater?

Ways in include: Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology; Certificate II in Automotive Underbody Technology.

How much does a Panelbeater earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $96,096 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Panelbeater a growing career in Australia?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 11,000 people now and 11,000 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Panelbeater?

Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology; Certificate II in Automotive Underbody Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Panelbeater?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04