Automotive Restoration Training Schools

Last Updated March 5, 2024

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Build on your enthusiasm for beautiful and powerful cars.

Automotive restoration training provides a way to grow or discover your talents in a field that's all about returning old or banged-up vehicles to excellent condition. Whether you're motivated by the idea of fixing up a classic car, modernizing a historic hot rod, or giving new life to almost any vehicle that needs it, becoming a pro in this industry is more than possible.

That's why auto restoration schools exist. They allow aspiring technicians like you to begin learning the trade, which can lead to some truly fun and intriguing career opportunities. So why not look into the training possibilities right now? Use your zip code to discover a school in your region, or check out the automotive program options below!

Why Attend an Automotive Restoration School

The following programs include auto restoration components as part of the training.

3 Good Reasons to Attend Automotive Restoration School

Knowing how to restore cars and trucks can be incredibly valuable. Just think of all the nice vehicles that get damaged in accidents or simply age and rust. When you combine areas like collision repairs, paint refinishing, auto parts rebuilding, hot rodding, and classic vehicle collecting, it's easy to see the massive size of the car restoration industry.

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association, Americans spend over $46 billion a year on products to improve their vehicles. And, within the U.S., employment of auto body technicians and related mechanics is expected to increase by three percent from 2021 to 2031.*

Plus, auto restoration often helps the environment by rebuilding automotive components rather than resorting to newly manufactured ones. For example, a rebuilt car engine requires only about half of the energy needed to produce a new one and reduces the amount of natural raw materials being extracted.

Here are a few other great reasons to consider automotive restoration training:

1. It Can Provide Stable and Good-Paying Career Possibilities

Many people enjoy successful and reliable careers that involve restoring vehicles. Some of them repair collision damage, install auto glass, or refinish cars' interiors or exteriors. Some spend their time adding style and upgrades to powerful hot rods. And still others get to help revive vintage cars for avid collectors.

Plus, it is possible to make a good living in the auto restoration field. According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, the median annual pay of automotive body mechanics and similar repairers in the U.S. was $47,270.* And the top earners made over $76,220.

2. It Doesn't Require Much Time in School

The requirements for entering the vehicle restoration trade are relatively simple. Many employers just want you to have undergone a little schooling in a program that helps you learn some of the basic yet relevant skills involved in the work. Once employed, most technicians then keep learning while on the job.

Some of the most popular programs that incorporate car restoration training are those which focus on collision repair and auto body refinishing. In many cases, they can be completed in less than 18 months.

3. It Can Give You Expertise in a Field That's Fun, Popular, and Fascinating

Think about all of the muscle car enthusiasts and classic vehicle collectors you may have encountered. America is full of them. And restoring vintage automobiles is a major pastime among such hobbyists. Historic vehicle owners often seek help from people who have professional-level skills at giving new life to the vehicle models they cherish—whether it's a 1960s Ford Mustang, a 1930s Lincoln-Zephyr, or any of countless other models worth reviving and celebrating.