Auto Body Technician

Mel's Auto Body East & West; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Employee parts purchasing at cost

Ongoing technical training

Modern equipment and facilities

Consistent workflow

Long-term career opportunities

Job summary

Mel's Auto Body East & West in Rapid City, SD is seeking an experienced Auto Body Technician to join our collision repair team. You will diagnose, repair, and restore damaged vehicle bodies to manufacturer specifications using modern equipment and OEM procedures.

With 5+ years in auto body, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to quality, you can grow your earning potential through productivity-based compensation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of professional auto body or collision repair experience.
• Strong knowledge of modern automotive construction, repair techniques, and OEM repair standards.
• Experience completing structural and non-structural body repairs.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented production environment.
• Current welding certifications preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and assess collision-related body damage to determine appropriate repair procedures.
• Restore damaged vehicle bodies, panels, and structural components to manufacturer specifications.
• Complete vehicle teardown, component replacement, and reassembly as required by repair plans.
• Follow current OEM repair information to ensure repairs meet safety and quality standards.
• Perform structural and non-structural repairs on a variety of makes and models.
• Coordinate with estimators, painters, and fellow technicians to keep vehicles moving efficiently through production.
• Identify additional damage or repair needs and communicate findings to the appropriate team members.
• Inspect completed work for proper fit, finish, and overall repair quality.
• Maintain a safe, organized workspace and properly use shop tools and equipment.

Skills

Auto body repair expertise

Structural repair

OEM repair standards

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

I-CAR Platinum certification

Welding certifications

Valid driver's license

Job description

Mel's Auto Body is hiring an experienced Auto Body Technician to join our collision repair team in Rapid City, South Dakota. If you have a strong background in auto body repairs, take pride in your craftsmanship, and want to maximize your earning potential, we have an opportunity worth considering.

With more than 40 years serving Western South Dakota, Mel's Auto Body has grown into one of the region's largest independently owned collision repair businesses. Our two Rapid City facilities provide consistent repair volume, modern equipment, and a professional environment where experienced technicians can focus on doing quality work.

As an I-CAR Gold Class repair facility, we value technical expertise, ongoing education, and following proper manufacturer repair procedures.

Compensation & Earning Potential

Expected Annual Earnings: $75,000–$150,000+

• Commission-based compensation with earnings tied to productivity and performance.
• Experienced, efficient technicians have the opportunity to earn toward the higher end of the range.
• Top performers may exceed $150,000 annually based on individual production and repair volume.

Benefits & Employee Perks

• 401(k) with company match
• Health insurance
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Employee parts purchasing at cost
• Ongoing technical training and professional development
• Modern collision repair equipment and facilities
• Consistent workflow and established customer base
• Long-term career opportunities with a locally owned business

What You'll Be Doing

• Diagnose and assess collision-related body damage to determine appropriate repair procedures.
• Restore damaged vehicle bodies, panels, and structural components to manufacturer specifications.
• Complete vehicle teardown, component replacement, and reassembly as required by repair plans.
• Follow current OEM repair information to ensure repairs meet safety and quality standards.
• Perform structural and non-structural repairs on a variety of makes and models.
• Coordinate with estimators, painters, and fellow technicians to keep vehicles moving efficiently through production.
• Identify additional damage or repair needs and communicate findings to the appropriate team members.
• Inspect completed work for proper fit, finish, and overall repair quality.
• Maintain a safe, organized workspace and properly use shop tools and equipment.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of professional auto body or collision repair experience.
• Strong knowledge of modern automotive construction, repair techniques, and OEM repair standards.
• Experience completing structural and non-structural body repairs.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented production environment.
• I-CAR Platinum certification preferred.
• Current welding certifications preferred.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Strong attention to detail, dependable work habits, and pride in producing quality repairs.

Why Build Your Career With Mel's Auto Body?

At Mel's Auto Body, our reputation has been earned through decades of quality repairs and dependable service. We understand that skilled body technicians are essential to our success, and we strive to provide the equipment, training, repair volume, and professional support they need to succeed.

Whether you're looking for greater earning potential, a more established repair environment, or a company where your experience is valued, we'd like to hear from you.