Vehicle body builders and repairers Salary
Median salary £34,848 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £35,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For vehicle body builders and repairers, £34,999 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -10% versus the national average. Experienced vehicle body builders and repairers (top 25%) earn over £42,597.
About this role
Vehicle paint technicians apply paint finishes to vehicles following body repair, restoration or manufacture. They mix colours, prepare surfaces, apply primer, basecoat and clearcoat using spray equipment, and ensure colour matching and finish quality.
Key responsibilities
- Preparing vehicle surfaces for painting (sanding, masking, priming)
- Mixing paint to achieve exact colour matches
- Applying basecoat and clearcoat using spray equipment
- Operating spray booths and curing equipment
- Inspecting finish quality and correcting defects
Qualifications and entry routes
NVQ Level 2/3 in vehicle paint. IMI qualifications in vehicle refinishing. Manufacturer paint system certifications are valued. Health and safety training for working with isocyanates is mandatory.
Career outlook
Skilled paint technicians are in demand. Water-based paint systems and environmental compliance are changing techniques. Experienced refinishers command good earnings.
Key skills
Common industries
- Vehicle bodyshops
- Manufacturer paint shops
- Commercial vehicle painting
- Classic car restoration
- Alloy wheel refurbishment
Data coverage
Median Salary
£34,848
Mean Salary
£35,810
Jobs (000s)
16k
Data Years
11 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£24,314
0-2 years
Mid Level
£29,432
3-7 years
Senior
£42,597
8-15 years
Potential career growth: +75% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£34,848
Full-time Only
£34,999
Full-time premium: +£151
Vehicle body builders and repairers salary: common questions
How much do vehicle body builders and repairers earn in the UK?
Is £34,999 a good salary in the UK?
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Have vehicle body builders and repairers salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).
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