OPT Auto Body Technician Jobs
Auto Body Technician jobs that sponsor OPT are less common than office roles, but they exist, particularly at dealership collision centers and fleet repair operations. If your degree is in automotive technology or a related field, your F-1 OPT work authorization must align with that coursework to remain compliant.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany: Gerber Collision & Glass
INTRODUCTION
Great Teams Don’t Happen by Accident
Built with Intent. Driven by YOU.
At the Boyd Group, our teams work to provide the elite infrastructure and supportive environment you need to Be the Best and outperform at every touchpoint in collision and glass services. As we continue to grow and lead the industry, we ensure you have the resources and the team behind you to move your career forward.
Ready to grow with a team that’s built for your success? Apply today.
Our Commitment:
The Boyd Group welcomes unique talents from all backgrounds and characteristics. We act with integrity and appreciate the diverse perspectives that make our "Greater Team" exceptional. Qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and Protected Veterans, are encouraged to apply.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Auto Body Technician’s primary responsibility and accountability includes providing an exceptional and successful customer experience through the meticulous assessment and quality repair of each customer’s vehicle to restore it back to pre-accident condition. The Auto Body Technician thoroughly disassembles, repairs, and reassembles each vehicle while playing a pivotal role to our company’s promise of speed, quality and customer excellence. The Auto Body Technician works in alignment with all team members in achieving the repair facilities KPIs and is committed to being a dedicated Brand Ambassador of The Boyd Group at all times.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Ensure consistent execution of WOW (Wow Operating Way) plan.
- Plans the repair work that is necessary and prepares cost estimates for customers. Uses various tools such as cutting guns, plasma cutters, hydraulic jacks, hammers, and pliers to repair sections of a vehicle.
- Hammers out dents, dimples, and other minor body damage if possible; mixes and applies filler resins to repair dents when other methods are not feasible.
- Realigns car chassis and frames to repair structural damage.
- Removes damaged sections of vehicles and replaces them with new or aftermarket parts. Replaces or repairs glass and windshields as needed.
- Replaces or repairs interior parts as needed.
- Welds and otherwise attaches or fits parts into place and prepares and repaints vehicles with factory-specified paint or agreed-upon equivalent.
- Attempts to complete work orders within labor time guidelines. Ensures all work has been executed correctly by inspecting vehicles after repair.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body repairer.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Ability to read job orders and work with very little supervision.
- Ability to work with other repairers within an auto body shop.
- Thorough understanding of methods and procedures to repair vehicle bodies.
- Thorough understanding of how to use tools required for the trade.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to work safely in a noisy area with many odors present.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
- Must be able to visually inspect vehicle damage in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must be able to bend, stretch, kneel, and squat to perform repairs and inspections.
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The physical demands of your job must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
BENEFITS THAT DRIVE YOUR SUCCESS
Gerber offers the comprehensive benefits you expect from an industry leader, including:
- Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plans
- 2 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Full time Employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week
- 6 paid holidays annually
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Insurance effective Day 1
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
- Employer Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Life Insurance
- Continuing Education Opportunities
- Free Prescription or Non-Prescription Safety Glasses annually
- Annual Voluntary Uniform Stipend
- Voluntary Daily Pay option available
About us
Gerber Collision & Glass has been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years.
AI DISCLOSURE STATEMENT:
At The Boyd Group and all affiliated companies, we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for employment. All hiring decisions are made by real people who review each application individually.
COMPENSATION DETAILS:
FLAT RATE
Estimated $50,000 - 150,000 / Year
Flat Rate Compensation is a performance-based structure directly tied to turned hours, also referred to as booked hours. In the event that total compensation in a pay period is less than minimum wage, clocked hours will be calculated with a guarantee of applicable local or state minimum wage, whichever is greater.
Compensation is commensurate with skill, education and experience.
ABTSOUTH
Company: Gerber Collision & Glass
INTRODUCTION
Great Teams Don’t Happen by Accident
Built with Intent. Driven by YOU.
At the Boyd Group, our teams work to provide the elite infrastructure and supportive environment you need to Be the Best and outperform at every touchpoint in collision and glass services. As we continue to grow and lead the industry, we ensure you have the resources and the team behind you to move your career forward.
Ready to grow with a team that’s built for your success? Apply today.
Our Commitment:
The Boyd Group welcomes unique talents from all backgrounds and characteristics. We act with integrity and appreciate the diverse perspectives that make our "Greater Team" exceptional. Qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and Protected Veterans, are encouraged to apply.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Auto Body Technician’s primary responsibility and accountability includes providing an exceptional and successful customer experience through the meticulous assessment and quality repair of each customer’s vehicle to restore it back to pre-accident condition. The Auto Body Technician thoroughly disassembles, repairs, and reassembles each vehicle while playing a pivotal role to our company’s promise of speed, quality and customer excellence. The Auto Body Technician works in alignment with all team members in achieving the repair facilities KPIs and is committed to being a dedicated Brand Ambassador of The Boyd Group at all times.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Ensure consistent execution of WOW (Wow Operating Way) plan.
- Plans the repair work that is necessary and prepares cost estimates for customers. Uses various tools such as cutting guns, plasma cutters, hydraulic jacks, hammers, and pliers to repair sections of a vehicle.
- Hammers out dents, dimples, and other minor body damage if possible; mixes and applies filler resins to repair dents when other methods are not feasible.
- Realigns car chassis and frames to repair structural damage.
- Removes damaged sections of vehicles and replaces them with new or aftermarket parts. Replaces or repairs glass and windshields as needed.
- Replaces or repairs interior parts as needed.
- Welds and otherwise attaches or fits parts into place and prepares and repaints vehicles with factory-specified paint or agreed-upon equivalent.
- Attempts to complete work orders within labor time guidelines. Ensures all work has been executed correctly by inspecting vehicles after repair.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body repairer.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Ability to read job orders and work with very little supervision.
- Ability to work with other repairers within an auto body shop.
- Thorough understanding of methods and procedures to repair vehicle bodies.
- Thorough understanding of how to use tools required for the trade.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to work safely in a noisy area with many odors present.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
- Must be able to visually inspect vehicle damage in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must be able to bend, stretch, kneel, and squat to perform repairs and inspections.
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The physical demands of your job must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
BENEFITS THAT DRIVE YOUR SUCCESS
Gerber offers the comprehensive benefits you expect from an industry leader, including:
- Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plans
- 2 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Full time Employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week
- 6 paid holidays annually
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Insurance effective Day 1
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
- Employer Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Life Insurance
- Continuing Education Opportunities
- Free Prescription or Non-Prescription Safety Glasses annually
- Annual Voluntary Uniform Stipend
- Voluntary Daily Pay option available
About us
Gerber Collision & Glass has been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years.
AI DISCLOSURE STATEMENT:
At The Boyd Group and all affiliated companies, we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for employment. All hiring decisions are made by real people who review each application individually.
COMPENSATION DETAILS:
FLAT RATE
Estimated $50,000 - 150,000 / Year
Flat Rate Compensation is a performance-based structure directly tied to turned hours, also referred to as booked hours. In the event that total compensation in a pay period is less than minimum wage, clocked hours will be calculated with a guarantee of applicable local or state minimum wage, whichever is greater.
Compensation is commensurate with skill, education and experience.
ABTSOUTH
See all 94+ OPT Auto Body Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Auto Body Technician
Target dealership collision centers first
Large dealership groups operating multi-location collision centers are more likely to have HR infrastructure for OPT paperwork. Independent shops rarely handle work authorization. Focus your search on regional and national dealership chains with dedicated collision departments.
Confirm your degree matches the role
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your field of study. A degree in automotive technology or collision repair supports this role. A degree in an unrelated field creates compliance risk, so verify alignment before accepting any offer.
Ask about STEM OPT eligibility early
Automotive technology programs accredited under STEM-designated CIP codes may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before job searching, as this significantly affects how long you can work.
Lead with certifications in your application
ASE certifications, I-CAR training, and manufacturer-specific credentials make you a stronger candidate and reduce employer hesitation around work authorization. Highlighting technical credentials shifts the conversation toward your skill value rather than your visa status.
Approach employers before your OPT start date
Auto body employers often need technicians immediately and may not understand OPT lead times. Starting conversations two to three months before your EAD arrives gives employers time to process paperwork and reduces the chance of losing an offer over timing.
Be direct about your work authorization timeline
Employers in skilled trades respond better to clear, upfront communication. Explain your EAD validity period, your potential extension window, and that no H-1B visa sponsorship is required during OPT. Removing ambiguity early prevents last-minute offer withdrawals.
Auto Body Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally work as an Auto Body Technician on F-1 OPT?
Yes, provided your degree is in a field directly related to automotive technology or collision repair. OPT requires that your employment be tied to your area of study. A degree in automotive technology, mechanical engineering technology, or a closely related program supports this role. Work that has no connection to your coursework would violate your OPT terms.
Do Auto Body Technician employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Many smaller independent shops are unfamiliar with OPT and may decline, but larger dealership collision centers and fleet operators are more accustomed to employment authorization documentation. OPT does not require the employer to file a petition or pay government fees, which makes it easier to accept than H-1B sponsorship. Browse OPT-friendly listings on Migrate Mate to identify employers already open to F-1 students.
Is an Auto Body Technician role eligible for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program and its CIP code. Some automotive technology and engineering technology programs carry STEM-designated CIP codes, which would make you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months. Check with your Designated School Official to confirm whether your program qualifies before assuming you have the extended timeline.
What documents do I need to provide an Auto Body Technician employer for OPT?
You'll need your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), your valid F-1 visa stamp, your current I-20 endorsed for OPT, and your passport. The employer uses these to complete Form I-9 employment verification. You should also be prepared to explain your OPT start and end dates clearly, since many employers in the trades have limited experience processing work authorization documentation.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm laid off from an Auto Body Technician job?
You're permitted up to 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period, or 150 days if you have an approved STEM OPT extension. The clock starts from your authorized OPT start date, not your last day of work. You need to report the employment change to your DSO promptly through SEVIS and begin actively searching for a new qualifying position to stay within the unemployment limit.