Repair dents, straighten frames, replace panels and refinish vehicles after accidents. Autobody technicians work in body shops, dealerships and insurance-approved repair centres, and many go on to open their own shops.
Salary Breakdown
Apprentice or helper sanding, masking and removing panels under a senior technician. Floored at the statutory minimum: The national minimum wage is $17,000 per 40-hour week ($425 per hour) from 1 July 2026, so a full-time employee cannot legally be paid less than $884,000 a year. Pay above the floor is an indicative market estimate.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($1,092,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $1,092,000 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$32,760 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$21,840 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$23,832 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$0 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $1,013,567 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
Explore Technical Subjects
Mechanical Engineering Technology, Technical Drawing and Mathematics at CSEC build a good base.
Secondary school - 2
Train in Body & Paint
Complete HEART/NSTA Trust training in Motor Vehicle Body Repair or Automotive Refinishing.
1 - 2 years - 3
Apprentice in a Body Shop
Learn panel beating, welding, filling, spray painting and colour matching on real repairs.
1 - 3 years - 4
Get Certified on Modern Systems
Train on paint mixing systems, frame-straightening equipment and newer vehicle materials.
Ongoing - 5
Supervise or Open Your Own Shop
Lead a dealership body shop or become an insurance-approved independent repairer.
3+ years
Required Education
- CSEC Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering Technology (advantage)
- HEART/NSTA Trust Motor Vehicle Body Repair or Refinishing certificate
- Welding certification (advantage)
Common Local Certifications
- HEART/NSTA motor vehicle body repair certification - check the current NVQ-J level on the Qualifications Registry of Jamaica
- Automotive Refinishing certification
- Paint manufacturer system training
Where to Train
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- HEART/NSTA Trust
- University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)
- Employer route: dealership and body shop apprenticeships