A similar survey was commissioned in 2007 to verify earlier data and to monitor trends. These results are intended for use in recruiting and training new technicians today as well as for use in long-term industry issues.

Sample
A random sample of 4,001 collision repair facilities from all 50 states was selected by an independent information provider. Replies were solicited by both direct mail and personal phone calls in the same manner as previous surveys. Valid responses were received from eight percent of the sample and represent a good cross section of the industry.

Business Statistics
While the total number of collision repair businesses has again decreased, the average years in business has increased.

The percentage of large shops (with annual sales of $300,000 to $1 million) and super shops (over $1 million) have steadily increased. Percentage of small shops (with annual sales under $300,000) has continued to decline.

The overall average for square feet of production space has again increased. Businesses also reported a higher average number of employees with the percentage of shops employing more than six technicians increasing over 50 percent since 1995.

Current Technicians
Average technician age has steadily increased every year since 1995. Percentages of technicians in the under-45 age groups have generally declined while the over-45 age groups have increased.

Most of the current working technicians were hired from another shop (61%). Over 20 percent were hired from a non-automotive industry or hired as their first job. Just over six percent were hired from a related automotive industry, while seven percent were hired directly from a technical school program. Women still represent less than one percent of the technician workforce. These figures have not changed significantly from previous surveys.

Slightly above the entire adult population, 88 percent of technicians are high school graduates.

Businesses responding to the survey report that 23 percent of technicians participated in no training in the last two years from I-CAR®, vehicle makers, vendors, or others. ASE certification was reported by 32 percent of the technicians covered in the survey. Both results are similar to those reported in previous surveys.

Compensation
Compensation plans have remained consistent, with over half based on flat rate (commission) plans.

Although there is a wide distribution, annual income tends to increase with shop sales volume and frequent training, especially I-CAR classes. Income figures shown below are for production technicians over 20 years old.

Average income for production technicians has again increased since the previous survey. Several other skilled trades actually decreased. Average income for all technicians is $51,312, competitive with similar skilled trades and higher than most.

Average income among the top 10 percent was $88,460, showing an attractive earning potential as a collision repair technician.