Job Description
An automotive collision estimator works for a body shop providing repair cost estimates. The estimator inspects vehicles that have been damaged and creates an estimate of the necessary repairs. Job duties include inspecting damaged vehicles, writing estimate reports and submitting reports to insurance companies.
An estimator follows guidelines that determine the extent of damages as well as what should be charged for repair work. A typical work day for an estimate writer includes inspecting damaged vehicles, consulting guidebooks for repair costs and creating estimation documents.
Estimators are also accountable for all areas of the disassembly/reassembly and ensuring the estimating guidelines prescribed is completed on every estimate.
Other titles:
- Collision Estimator
- Body Shop Estimator
Salary
Average Salaries by Region
| Region | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Canada | $63,295 |
| British Columbia | $68,734 |
| Alberta | $72,329 |
| Saskatchewan & Manitoba | $60,084 |
| Ontario | $62,087 |
| Quebec | $48,962 |
| Atlantic Provinces | $50,812 |
Occupation Outlook
Forecast: Total jobs over 5 years
| Region | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC | 1,439 | 1,492 | 1,541 | 1,589 | 1,638 | 1,687 |
| Alberta | 1,419 | 1,431 | 1,484 | 1,536 | 1,590 | 1,646 |
| Saskatchewan & Manitoba | 940 | 945 | 977 | 1,008 | 1,041 | 1,076 |
| Ontario | 3,249 | 3,361 | 3,457 | 3,548 | 3,639 | 3,729 |
| Quebec | 2,499 | 2,552 | 2,606 | 2,657 | 2,711 | 2,767 |
| Atlantic provinces | 674 | 674 | 692 | 709 | 727 | 747 |
Full Time & Part Time Breakdown
Full Time vs. Part Time Overall
Full Time in 2018
Part Time in 2018
Diversity
Education, Training & Experience
- Valid Driver’s License
- Experience with estimator software (eg: Mitchell) is an asset
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite products is an asset
- Completion of Automotive Collision Estimator course is an asset
- Training is on-the-job, in class, and/or online
- Level of experience is usually 1-5 years
Job Openings
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