? For the professional bodymen on here

[projectPONY]

This question is directed more towards the bodyman that works at a custom/restoration shop but can apply to a collision tech also.

I was recently approached by a real good friend of my BIL that is expanding his business. He's looking for a full-time bodyman at his custom/restoration shop and I'm highly considering it and we're at the point of negotiating wage. Thing is, I have no clue where to start. I know there's a few of you on here that do this for a living and if you're willing to share this info I would highly appreciate it. PM me if you'd like.

TIA



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[Shaggin Wagon]

Youre going to have to get paid salary I'm sure. Take what you are worth per hour and multiply by 50 hours or so. The area average rate is $18-20 per commission hour that I know of.

[projectPONY]

I'm pretty sure he's going to pay hourly since all the employees he currently has get paid that way.

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[projectPONY]

Are you recommending that I opt for salary? Keep in mind, this is not a collision shop.

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[Shaggin Wagon]

I just know that a lot of "custom" shops pay salary that way they keep you working on a project that needs to go without worrying about you cost them too much. You're not running flag time so it usually salary from what I know.

[projectPONY]

Hmm

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[projectPONY]

...so is anyone willing to share an average salary figure?

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[SVTNorthTexas]

I'm no mechanic or auto shop worked but did some research. Maybe this will help give you a guideline?

Auto body repair technicians received a mean $19.99 per hour or $41,570 per year as of May ,according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of auto body repair techs earn more than $31.27 per hour or $65,030 per year, while the worst-paid 10% make just $10.83 per hour or $22,530 per year. To make this money, technicians examine damage, prepare cost estimates and plan the work. They remove defective parts, hammer out or patch dents and other minor body damage, weld or attach replacement parts, sand and buff surfaces, and apply new paint and other coatings to restored areas.

[SVTNorthTexas]

I couldn't really find anything on how much some one would make working a a custom restoration shop but if assume it would be determined by the work load and the amount of work coming into the shop.

[projectPONY]

Yeah, I was just about to say that that post didn't necessarily apply to a restoration shop, as I know some restoration shops are billing up to $80 an hr.

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[projectPONY]

....and those employees have to be making a bit more.

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[Rick Modena]

I'm not sure where SVT is getting his info from but as a baseline I guess its sorta of accurate.

Most refinish and body guys that are worth a fuck are making $100k+ a year. By worth a fuck, I mean that the painters are flagging commission hours of over 100 per week (same for body guys) at around $20.00ish an hour rate. $18.00-$22.00+ is the average for guys that are true professionals. And by that I mean a guy that shows up with a tow truck with a big box full of his tools, mig/tig welder, plasma cutter and frame pulling equipment.
You can always tell if the painters are any good by the car that they drive. They show up with a 2001 chevy cobalt and a milk carton with 6 paint guns, you run that fucker off.

Refinish guy shows up in a newer car with 3 guns, a decent size box, most of his teeth and is able to do bodywork, then you pay the man...

[projectPONY]

Ok, I understand, but let take flag time out of the equation. Would $18-22 be accurate for hourly pay?

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[projectPONY]

Oh, and I have 6 guns.

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[Rick Modena]

I guess to answer your question, if you're a professional body/refinish tech and making $100k+ a year, that's where you start or more. Why would you go somewhere that pays you less...