How much does a vehicle body mechanic earn?
Vehicle body mechanics straighten, join and repair vehicle bodies and combine sheet-metal, plastics and mechanical work with modern measuring technology – in workshops, at manufacturers and in accident repair. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements, employer and specialisation. As a guide, qualified professionals in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,150–€3,750 gross per month; during apprenticeship around €960–€1,260 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. Actual pay depends on collective agreements, employer, region, experience, welding, alignment and joining skills and order situation and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A vehicle body mechanic works in motor vehicle workshops, body and paint shops and at vehicle manufacturers: assessing damage, measuring and aligning bodies, cutting, welding and joining parts, fitting components and preparing surfaces for painting. Everyday work includes occupational safety, precise work to manufacturer specifications, handling modern materials and coordination with the paint shop, mechatronics and customers – often under deadline pressure after accidents.
- Assess accident and corrosion damage, measure and align bodies and decide on repair methods.
- Cut, weld, bond or rivet sheets, profiles, plastics and parts – including aluminium and high-strength steels.
- Remove and refit attachments, apply dent-removal techniques and prepare surfaces for painting.
- Follow occupational safety, personal protective equipment and manufacturer repair specifications consistently.
- Coordinate with the paint shop, mechatronics and customers; document damage, measurement reports and working times.
- Maintain measuring systems, alignment equipment and welding tools and meet quality standards.
