Auto Body Technician Salary in Kentucky (2025)
Auto Body Technicians in Kentucky earn a median salary of $43,400 per year, or $20.88/hr. The state has roughly 2,170 auto body technician jobs with a projected growth rate of -0.5% over the next decade.
Auto Body Technician Pay by Experience Level in Kentucky
Where you are in your career makes a big difference. Apprentices in Kentucky start lower but can expect significant raises as they move toward journeyman and master credentials.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $12.53/hr | $26,100/yr |
| Journeyman | $20.88/hr | $43,400/yr |
| Master | $27.14/hr | $56,500/yr |
| Foreman | $29.23/hr | $60,800/yr |
Apprentice
Hourly
$12.53
Annual
$26,100
Journeyman
Hourly
$20.88
Annual
$43,400
Master
Hourly
$27.14
Annual
$56,500
Foreman
Hourly
$29.23
Annual
$60,800
Union vs. Non-Union Auto Body Technician Pay in Kentucky
Union membership can have a major impact on your take-home pay in Kentucky. The numbers below compare average hourly rates for union and non-union auto body technicians in the state.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for auto body technicians
Union auto body technicians earn $3.14/hr more (15.5% premium)
Highest-Paying Cities for Auto Body Technicians in Kentucky
Metro areas tend to pay more due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Here are the top-paying cities for auto body technicians in Kentucky.
| Rank | City / Metro Area | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Louisville | $22.34/hr | $46,500 |
Kentucky vs. National Average
How does Kentucky stack up against the rest of the country? Here is a side-by-side look at average hourly pay for auto body technicians.
Kentucky vs. National Average
Average hourly rate comparison
Kentucky pays $3.12/hr less than the national average (-13.0%)
Overtime Earnings Potential
Many auto body technicians in Kentucky earn well above their base salary thanks to overtime. At the median rate of $20.88/hr, overtime pay (1.5x) works out to roughly $31.32/hr. Working just 10 hours of OT per week at that rate adds about $16,300 to your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto Body Technician salaries in Kentucky vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level auto body technicians typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level auto body technicians in Kentucky typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union auto body technicians earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified auto body technician depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Auto Body Technician work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The Kentucky job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified auto body technicians have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a auto body technician's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.
Major metropolitan areas in Kentucky tend to pay auto body technicians 5-15% above the state average due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Check our city-level salary data for specific figures in your area.
Sources & Methodology
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data reflects May 2024 estimates, the most recent available. Figures represent base pay before overtime, bonuses, or benefits.