BODYSHOP - ESTIMATOR

Are you interested in Bodyshop - Estimator jobs in Ontario, Quebec and other provinces in Canada? Training, salaries, hours, responsibilities, prospects, and professional advancement. Discover everything it takes to become successful in this career path!

What is the definition of a Bodyshop - Estimator?

A Bodyshop Estimator is a professional responsible for assessing damage to vehicles. After assessment, this professional will proceed by preparing estimates for repairs. In addition, they also communicate with customers and insurance companies regarding the damages to vehicles.

When preparing repair estimates, body shop estimators often focus on key factors, such as labour, parts, and completion time. To become an estimator in a body shop today, the candidate needs to have strong technical knowledge of auto repair processes.

What does a Bodyshop - Estimator's job involve?

The job of Bodyshop - Estimators in the Canadian auto industry involves several different tasks, including:

• Inspecting vehicles to identify areas that need repairs.
• Cost estimation using key factors, such as labour and damaged parts.
• Interacting with customers to help them choose the right repair options, timelines, and costs.
• Ordering of necessary spare parts to repair damaged areas.
• Scheduling repairs and ensuring they get completed timely.
• Carrying out quality control and ensuring repairs meet the industry's regulatory standards.

What is the salary of a Bodyshop - Estimator?

The average salary of Body Shop - Estimators in the Canadian auto industry is $64,635 per year. Entry-level positions can expect a starting salary of roughly $51,675 while people with experience and qualifications can earn up to $70,000 per year. However, keep in mind that these figures can vary in Canada, depending on your province.

Here are the average annual salaries of entry-level Body Shop - Estimators in Canada, based on different provinces:

• Alberta: $59,573 per year
• British Columbia: $65,592 per year
• Manitoba: $64,242 per year
• New Brunswick: $51,158 per year
• Newfoundland and Labrador: $54,707 per year
• Nova Scotia: $61,196 per year
• Ontario: $69,125 per year
• Prince Edward Island: $68,236 per year
• Quebec: $56,077 per year
• Saskatchewan: $58,893 per year

What are the social benefits of a Bodyshop - Estimator?

Depending on the employer, Body Shop - Estimators may enjoy different social benefits, including the following:

• Community interaction—regular interaction with customers and colleagues can help build strong interpersonal relationships.
• Helping others to address their issues will give you a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.
• Automotive repair and estimation are in high demand in Canada. As such, this profession provides stable employment opportunities.

What training is required and what diploma is needed to become a Body Shop - Estimator?

Generally, to become a Body Shop - Estimator in Canada today, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. However, some employers often prefer candidates with training skills in automotive technology. Being certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) may also be beneficial. However, understand that these training requirements can vary from province to province:

• Alberta—having a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is important. The job candidate needs to complete a vocational training program in automotive repairs or collision estimation. Having a certification from top organizations, such as I-CAR or ASE, may be beneficial.
• Quebec—A diploma of vocational studies in auto body repair is required. In addition, you need a vocational training program in automotive damage appraisal. Having a certification from the Groupement des Assureurs Automobiles (GAA) may be beneficial.
• Ontario—A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completing vocational training in body repair is also essential for this job position. Additionally, job candidates may need to possess a relevant certification by the Ontario College of Trades or I-CAR.
• British Columbia—A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is essential. You also need to complete a technical training program in automotive repair or collision estimation. Being certified by I-CAR after completing the training programs may also be beneficial.
• Atlantic Provinces—Having a high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in auto body repair is crucial. To become a Bodyshop - Estimator in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador, they also need on-the-job training through apprenticeship. Having relevant certifications may also be beneficial.

What are the tasks and objectives of a Bodyshop - Estimator?

The primary tasks and objectives of a Bodyshop - Estimator include:

• Inspecting vehicles to identify damaged parts and repair needs.
• Estimating costs based on labour, parts, and materials.
• Helping customers understand cost estimates and how to choose the right repair processes.
• Working with insurance firms and making sure claims are well processed.
• Ensuring repairs meet the industry's quality standards.

Overall, the objective of body shop estimators is to provide accurate and transparent estimates necessary to repair damaged vehicles promptly.

What are the working hours of a Bodyshop - Estimator?

Like many other professionals in Canada, Bodyshop - Estimators typically work during standard business hours—usually from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday - Friday). However, understand that some body shops may require employees to work for extended hours—weekends, holidays, and night shifts.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a Bodyshop - Estimator?

Advantages:

• There's steady demand in the automotive repair industry—which means this job is stable.
• Employees can expect competitive salaries.
• There are plenty of opportunities for employees to develop their skills.
• Continuous interaction with customers and helping them to address their concerns can be rewarding.

Disadvantages:

• This job often puts high pressure on employees to meet deadlines and deliver satisfactory services to customers.
• It requires you to stay attentive to detail.
• It may sometimes come with physical strain from damaged vehicle inspections.

What are the qualities of a Bodyshop - Estimator?

To become a successful Bodyshop - Estimator, you must have the following qualities:

• Having technical knowledge of materials, vehicle repair processes, and parts is crucial
• The estimator needs to be highly attentive to details.
• Organizational, problem-solving, and negotiation skills are crucial for a successful career.
• Being computer literate and having the ability to identify and resolve potential issues is essential.

What professional skills can a Bodyshop - Estimator acquire?

With the following professional skills, your chances of becoming successful as a Bodyshop - Estimator, are high:

• Advanced damage assessment skills to understand how to accurately evaluate vehicle damage.
• Enrol in courses on how to use relevant software for estimation purposes.
• Go for courses to improve your techniques on how to identify repair costs and parts pricing.
• Time management courses can improve your skills on how to efficiently manage multiple estimates and deadlines.

What are the job prospects for a Bodyshop - Estimator?

The job prospects for body shop estimators are favorable. First, there is a steady demand for vehicle repair estimates. Besides, the automotive repair industry continues to grow—which means more opportunities for job seekers. Employees can also advance their careers by focusing on higher fields in the auto industry.

What careers can a Bodyshop - Estimator pursue?

Bodyshop - Estimators can advance their careers by focusing on the following job roles:

• Senior Estimator
• Insurance Adjuster
• Collision Repair Manager
• Automotive Parts Specialist
• Technical Trainer
• Automotive Service Advisor
• Insurance Claims Manager
• Automotive Consultant

Auto-jobs.ca is the reference job board for Bodyshop - Estimators in different provinces in Canada. Irrespective of why you're interested in this job, you can always trust Auto-Jobs to get personalized ads, which will bring you a step closer to achieving your dreams.

Visit Auto-jobs.ca today to better understand how to kickstart your career as a Bodyshop - Estimator.