Automotive Collision Repair in Tennessee
Tennessee's Automotive Collision Repair pathway trains students for careers repairing vehicle damage. Collision repair is a skilled trade with strong demand and good wages throughout Tennessee.
Students develop competencies in collision damage assessment, metal working, welding, body panel replacement, painting, and repair estimation. Hands-on experience includes repairing vehicles in collision labs.
Graduates work as collision repair technicians, body shop managers, or estimators. Advancement leads to shop ownership or management positions. Strong demand and wages ($38,000-$65,000+) make collision repair attractive.
Automotive Collision Repair at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's collision repair standards align with National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) standards. The state emphasizes safety, technical skill, and professional practices.
Students complete collision repair projects and damage assessment exercises. Assessment includes repair technique knowledge and hands-on repair demonstrations.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Introduction to Transportation |
| Collision Repair I |
| Collision Repair II |
| Collision Repair III |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓ASE Student Certification
- ✓ASE Entry-Level Certification
- ✓NOCTI Automotive 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 Repair Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $42,970 - $55,010
Adjusted for cost of living: $46,444
Frame Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $38,410 - $57,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $41,515
Painter
ExperiencedSalary range: $36,360 - $47,240
Adjusted for cost of living: $44,001
Shop Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $65,880 - $161,270
Adjusted for cost of living: $111,165
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students apprentice at collision repair shops and body shops throughout Tennessee.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs
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Teacher Customization
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
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Advanced ManufacturingAutomotive Technology
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TransportationWelding
Tennessee's Welding pathway provides comprehensive training for one of the state's most consistently in-demand skilled trades. This specialized manufacturing program prepares students for careers in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, pipeline construction, and industrial maintenance. Tennessee's diverse industrial base—including automotive manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure maintenance—creates continuous demand for certified welders throughout the state. The pathway progresses through sequential courses building foundational skills in welding safety, oxyfuel cutting and welding, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (MIG), and gas tungsten arc welding (TIG). Students gain extensive hands-on experience in modern welding laboratories equipped with industry-standard equipment, learning blueprint reading, welding metallurgy, weld quality inspection, and professional welding practices. The curriculum prepares students for American Welding Society (AWS) certifications recognized by Tennessee employers. Tennessee's Welding programs emphasize both traditional welding techniques and contemporary welding technologies including robotic welding systems and advanced welding processes. Strong industry partnerships throughout Tennessee provide students with apprenticeship opportunities, mentorship from master welders, and direct employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as entry-level welders, pursuit of advanced welding certifications, or continuation to welding technology degree programs.
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