Automotive Collision Repair Technology in South Carolina
South Carolina's Automotive Collision Repair pathway develops technicians for the automotive repair industry. The state's vehicle population and active automotive supply chain create demand.
Students master frame straightening, welding, metal finishing, painting, and parts replacement. They work on actual vehicles in school shops and collision repair facilities.
Graduates work as collision repair technicians, frame technicians, refinish specialists, or shop supervisors. Employment opportunities exist with collision repair shops, insurance companies, dealerships, and franchise repair networks throughout South Carolina.
Automotive Collision Repair Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina collision repair standards cover frame repair, welding, panel replacement, paint systems, and safety. Standards align with automotive industry standards.
Students complete repairs on actual vehicles, competency assessments in welding and painting, and quality evaluations. State standards include EPA environmental compliance.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Automotive Collision Repair 1 |
| Automotive Collision Repair 2 |
| Automotive Collision Repair 3 |
| Automotive Collision Repair 4 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓ASE Student Certification
- ✓ASE Entry-Level Certification
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Collision and Body Repair
- ✓EPA 609 Certification
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
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 Repair Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $45,850 - $70,050
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,206
Frame Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,280 - $62,880
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,445
Paint Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $36,860 - $48,190
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,558
Shop Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at collision repair shops, insurance appraisal centers, and dealership collision centers throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Automotive Technology
South Carolina's Automotive Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for careers in automotive service, repair, and diagnostics. This four-level program prepares students to service increasingly complex modern vehicles equipped with advanced electronics, computerized systems, and alternative fuel technologies. With South Carolina's strong automotive manufacturing presence and extensive network of dealerships and service centers, demand for skilled automotive technicians remains consistently high. The pathway follows a progressive sequence building from foundational automotive systems knowledge through advanced diagnostics and repair procedures. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific tools, and actual vehicles in fully equipped automotive laboratories. The curriculum aligns with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) standards and prepares students for multiple ASE certifications upon graduation or soon after workforce entry. South Carolina's Automotive Technology programs emphasize both traditional mechanical systems and emerging automotive technologies including hybrid and electric vehicle systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and connected vehicle technologies. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for careers servicing current vehicles while adapting to the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Supply Chain & TransportationWelding Technology
South Carolina's Welding Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for one of the state's most in-demand skilled trades. As part of the Advanced Manufacturing cluster, this program prepares students for careers in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and infrastructure maintenance. South Carolina's diverse industrial base—from automotive manufacturing to naval shipbuilding—creates consistent demand for certified welders across the state. The pathway progresses through four sequential courses that build foundational skills in oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMIG), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Students gain extensive hands-on experience in modern welding laboratories, learning industry-standard safety protocols, blueprint reading, metallurgy, and quality control procedures. The curriculum prepares students for multiple AWS (American Welding Society) certifications and immediate workforce entry. South Carolina's Welding Technology programs emphasize both traditional welding techniques and emerging technologies including robotic welding, plasma cutting, and advanced welding inspection methods. Graduates are prepared for careers in diverse industries throughout the state, with opportunities for advancement into welding supervision, inspection, and engineering roles.
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