Why We Love It
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$23,940Potential Avg. Salary
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9.5%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Dependable Daily WorkloadCareer Attribute
Auto detailers are a highly sought out skilled specialists whose primary tasks involve renovating the look of a car. They look into the aesthetics of both the interior and exterior of the car. They are also expected to take measures to save a car from the effects of corrosion which seeps in from time to time if not looked into. With cars being a priced possession for most individuals, keeping them looking at their best is something that interests most car owners. This spells a heavy demand for auto detailers in the present and coming times.
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What is an Auto Detailer?
Duties
An auto detailer could be expected to perform any of the following activities:
- Removing any deposition or corrosion on the surface of the car with abrasives and applying a fresh coat of paint where scratches or dent has formed in a manner that it blends in with the rest of the paint.
- Applying wax coating on the surface to protect the paint from the sunlight and the elements, cleaning tires and chrome.
- Ensuring that the interior of the car is clean and pleasant to smell too. This involves tasks such as washing the leather with Aloe-Vera gel, vacuuming the interiors, cleaning the upholstery with solvents.
- Cleaning the air conditioning vent too as it tends to collect dirt and becomes a breeding ground for microbes. This is done fairly easily with modern tools.
Day in the life
As an auto detailer one gets to work with a diverse range of cars. For those of us for whom cars are a passion it is the perfect fit as one gets chances to work their magic on their dream cars.
A typical day involves meeting clients, discussing their needs, observing the car and on the basis of the observation providing details on tasks to be performed on the car and time required. Thereafter any of the above mentioned duties will have to be performed as required.
Some tasks mentioned above require more expertise than others as they may involve working with high-power scrubbing tools and acidic chemicals for cleaning tyres. Both of these require some expertise as; scrubbing tools if applied in linear motion might chaff of more wax than needed, leaving the paint underneath exposed and acidic solvents for tyres can oxidize and corrode if it comes in contact with metallic wheelbase cover or rims of the car.
Work schedule and typical hours
Work schedules is usually fixed for this profession. Typical working hours range from 7-9 hours depending upon location within the United States of America. Of course if one opens their own business in this line then work hours are determined by them based on client’s requirements and priority.
Growth of the job
The job promises high growth as the number of cars plying on the road aren’t decreasing and if anything the number of imported and super cars only keeps increasing. These cars need periodic maintenance. A regular wax coat lasts for just about 3-4 months and cars that are exposed to harsh environments and parked in the sun need much frequent maintenance sessions.
Sometimes for customers require additional customization which includes work such as detailing, fixing new components and adding decals. A training/knowledge in these additional tasks would work to your advantage as more elite customers come in search of your service.
Growth within the job also becoming a supervisor or outlet manager in large chains as one gains more experience.
Typical employers
In most case one is employed by auto modifiers or auto detailing companies. Besides automobile company’s service centers are also a preferred employer for auto detailers as they pay higher wages on a per hour basis. Some auto detailers also end up in luxury car makers salon where they value dexterity of hands for painting fine lines and final quality checks than machines.
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How To Become an Auto Detailer
How to Become
Becoming an auto detailer doesn’t require any specific professional degree. Vocational course trainings and a keen willingness to learn on the job are more than enough. In most cases one is tagged along with more experienced auto detailers to learn on the job. Improving one’s reputation by perfecting the tasks by experience is very important to get further referrals. There are various agencies where one can float one’s resumes with the requisite vocational course certificates to land a job as an auto detailer easily. More information on these certifications and enrolment can be done here through the links.
Auto Detailer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$18,870Average
$23,940High Range
$34,750National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$9/hrAverage
$12/hrHigh Range
$17/hrHow do Auto Detailer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Auto Detailer's can make an average annual salary of $23,940, or $12 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $18,870 or $9 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#783 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Auto Detailers
- 0.1% Doctorate
- 0.3% Masters
- 3.3% Bachelors
- 3.7% Associates
- 14.9% College
- 42.3% High School
- 35.3% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
346,9002024 Est. Jobs
380,000Job Growth Rate
9.5%Est. New Jobs
33,100How does Auto Detailer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 33,100 jobs for a total of 380,000 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 9.5% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#213 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Auto Detailers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other automotive repair and maintenance | 118,800 | 15,900 | 16% |
| Automobile dealers | 77,600 | 10,100 | 10% |
| Self-employed workers | 19,600 | 1,300 | 1% |
