Collision Repair Technology

Hone the Skills Needed for Success in Today's Advanced Collision Repair Industry

CWI Student sanding and cleaning Bondo on the body of a vehicle

Program Overview

Are you interested in mastering the art and science of collision repair and refinishing? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Collision Repair Technology program is tailored for those aspiring to excel in this dynamic industry. Expert-level instruction, taught by industry professionals, will provide you with hands-on training in welding, minor repair, polishing, panel replacement, plastic-bumper repair, estimating, and both structural and non-structural repair using state-of-the-art equipment.

This program offers you multiple training options from a Basic Technical Certificate to an Associate of Applied Science, each with extensive training, including classroom, lab work, and internships, with a focus on refinishing, color matching, custom painting, and advanced repair techniques. Successful completion of all collision repair classes qualifies you to earn I-CAR certificates in ProLevel 1 Non-Structural Repair and ProLevel 1 Refinishing. 

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Program Exploration

Program Exploration – April 2

Learn more about the Collision Repair Technology program, meet the instructors, and get your questions answered!

RSVP TODAY

CWI Student and Instructor mixing Bondo for vehicle repair

Learning Opportunities

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train on industry-standard equipment for real-world readiness.
  • Hands-On Training & Internships: Apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • I-CAR Professional Development Program: Graduate with ProLevel 1 certifications, aligning with industry professional standards.
  • Student Toolkits: Prepare for immediate industry work with required toolkits.
  • Specialized Skills Development: Master techniques in waterborne and solvent-borne paint systems, blending, and custom painting.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Collision Repair Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Collision Repair Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate

Collision Repair Technology – Basic Technical Certificate

Guy using tool on a car

Career Opportunities

  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

    Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs. Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Maintenance Workers, Machinery” (49-9043).

    135

    Annual Openings*

    $17.97

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,378

    Annual Median Salary

    21.69%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes “Automotive Body and Related Repairers” (49-3021), “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031), and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).

    81

    Annual Openings*

    $18.17

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,794

    Annual Median Salary

    21.3%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

    Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

    54

    Annual Openings*

    $29.03

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,382

    Annual Median Salary

    17.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Automotive Body and Related Repairers

    Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames. Excludes “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers” (49-3022) and “Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders” (51-9124).

    11

    Annual Openings*

    $22.37

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $46,530

    Annual Median Salary

    18.41%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

    Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities. Excludes “Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic” (51-4193).

    7

    Annual Openings*

    $18.20

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,856

    Annual Median Salary

    26.35%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Transportation Inspectors

    Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified. Excludes “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $48.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,984

    Annual Median Salary

    6.36%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

    Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

    1

    Annual Openings*

    $35.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $73,112

    Annual Median Salary

    -17.13%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

    Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment. Excludes “Avionics Technicians” (49-2091) and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $33.93

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $70,574

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

  • Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

    Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $22.63

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,070

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"The equipment we have in the autobody shop is top of the line. It is incredible what we have to work with. From lifts to paint booths, even well-established autobody shops don’t always have those. You can only work with the tools you know, and to have such quality materials throughout our education sets us up for success." Read more > about Collision Repair Technology Teaching and Placing Autobody Repair Technicians of Tomorrow
Nolan Czapiewski
Student, Collision Repair Technology
"When I realized I could actually do a job based on my favorite T.V. shows, I decided it was time to go back to college and pursue my dream of one day owning my own collision repair and restoration shop. I looked around at different places in the U.K., and nothing had what I was looking for. When I looked into CWI, I knew it was exactly what I wanted. " Read more > about Painting Her Dreams
Sophie Rusling
Student, Collision Repair Technology

Admissions

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  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

STEP 3

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    SkillsUSA

    College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.

    News

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    Students, future students, and members of the public have an opportunity to learn more about Collison Repair Technology at College of Western Idaho’s Program Exploration events.

    Read more about Collision Repair Technology Teaching and Placing Autobody Repair Technicians of Tomorrow

    Are you interested in learning more about careers and programs to help you get the job you want? If so, plan to attend one of College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Program Exploration Events!

    Read more about Find Out More About CWI Programs through Exploration Events

    Sophie Rusling, from the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, is pursuing her passion for car restoration and customization in College of Western Idaho's Collision Repair Technology program....

    Read more about Painting Her Dreams

    Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

    Read more about 2020 Emerging Professionals

    CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

    Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition
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