How to become a Vehicle Body Builder
Also called: Vehicle Body Maker
Manufactures and repairs prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies, such as buses, trucks, fire engines and caravans.
Main tasks
- Reads and interprets engineering drawings and specifications
- Fabricates and welds metal components to build vehicle bodies
- Constructs, assembles and installs vehicle body components such as doors, windows and panels
- Operates machinery and equipment such as cutting and bending machines
- Repairs and replaces damaged vehicle body parts
- Conducts quality checks and inspections on finished vehicle bodies
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Passenger Motor Vehicle. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32120); Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Bus, Truck and Trailer (AUM30218); Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Passenger Motor Vehicle (AUM30113); Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing (MSM31122); Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31022); Certificate IV in Recreational Vehicles (MSM41122); Diploma of Automotive Manufacturing (AUM50113); Certificate II in Automotive Manufacturing Production - Bus, Truck and Trailer (AUM20218)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $100,048 a year
- About 6,300 people work in this job group now, and about 6,500 are projected by 2035. (+2.5%)
- 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
- Vehicle Trimmer
- Automotive Technician (General)
- Automotive Electrician
- Panelbeater
- Agricultural Mechanic
- Bicycle Technician
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Vehicle Body Builder?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Bus, Truck and Trailer; Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Passenger Motor Vehicle.
How much does a Vehicle Body Builder earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $100,048 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Vehicle Body Builder a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 6,300 to about 6,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Vehicle Body Builder?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Bus, Truck and Trailer; Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Passenger Motor Vehicle.
Will AI change the work of a Vehicle Body Builder?
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