Ohio's Collision Repair and Refinishing pathway prepares students for careers repairing damaged vehicles and applying finishes. Collision repair technicians restore accident-damaged vehicles to pre-accident condition, a high-value service in the automotive industry.
Students study damage assessment, metal working, welding, plastic repair, paint preparation, and refinishing techniques. They work on actual vehicles, learning the precise techniques required for quality collision repair.
Graduates work as collision repair technicians or refinish technicians with collision repair shops, dealerships, and insurance-approved repair centers. Career advancement leads to shop supervisor, manager, or shop ownership. Union apprenticeships in collision repair offer pathways to well-compensated positions.
Collision Repair and Refinishing at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's collision repair standards are developed with collision repair professionals and automotive suppliers. Curriculum emphasizes damage assessment, repair techniques, and refinishing.
Competency assessments include damage assessment ability, welding proficiency, repair technique knowledge, and finishing quality. Industry certifications are integrated throughout.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Collision Repair Foundations |
| Vehicle Damage Assessment and Repair |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel
- ✓IC3 Digital Literacy Certification
- ✓NOCTI Engineering Technology
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Collision Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,870 - $61,030
Adjusted for cost of living: $47,783
Refinish Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $41,040 - $57,220
Adjusted for cost of living: $44,701
Shop Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,220 - $147,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $103,464
Shop Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,220 - $147,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $103,464
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students apprentice with collision repair shops and dealerships throughout Ohio, working on actual accident-damaged vehicles.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Ohio
Automotive Technology
Ohio's Automotive Technology pathway prepares students for careers as automotive technicians in one of the state's largest employment sectors. The program covers diagnosis and repair of all major vehicle systems including engines, transmissions, brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension, and increasingly complex computer-controlled components. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific scan tools, and electronic service information systems. Many Ohio programs are ASE Education Foundation certified and include training on traditional internal combustion engines plus emerging electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. Ohio's automotive sector—including assembly plants, parts suppliers, and thousands of dealerships and independent repair shops—creates abundant career opportunities. The state's central location and manufacturing heritage make automotive technology a particularly relevant and valuable career pathway for Ohio students.
Transportation SystemsMechanical Systems
Ohio's Mechanical Systems pathway prepares students for careers in hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems maintenance, and industrial mechanics. Manufacturing equipment relies on mechanical systems that skilled technicians must maintain and repair. Students study fluid power systems, mechanical power transmission, mechanical troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and systems integration. They work with actual hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, learning systems used throughout industrial operations. Graduates work as hydraulic technicians, industrial mechanics, or maintenance technicians with manufacturers and industrial facilities. Career advancement leads to senior technician, supervisor, or engineering technician roles. Union apprenticeships in industrial mechanics offer pathways to well-compensated positions.
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