The modern workforce is changing. For years, the gig economy was linked to rideshare drivers, food delivery, and short-term online projects. But today, the gig economy is expanding into fields once considered traditional and steady, especially the skilled trades.
Collision repair, auto body work, mechanical service, and related fields are seeing a shift as more technicians look for ways to support their income, set their own schedules, and take control of how they work. And shops are adjusting too, turning to flexible workers to maintain momentum when the workload spikes.
This new model is reshaping the industry. It brings career flexibility to workers while helping shops stay productive during unpredictable repair seasons.
What the Gig Economy Means for the Skilled Trades
At its core, the gig economy is a system where workers take on short-term jobs, project-based assignments, or flexible contract work instead of, or in addition to, a single full-time role. In the past, this structure rarely included positions in the skilled trades. These were fields defined by long-term employment, a consistent shop schedule, and set work hours.
But demand has changed. Collision shops are busier, customers expect faster turnaround times, and staffing levels don’t always match the surge in incoming vehicles. As a result, more techs are branching out with secondary income streams, and more repair centers are open to fill gaps with gig-based workers.
This shift gives technicians access to career flexibility while giving shop owners access to a wider pool of talent.
Can You Make Money With a Side Hustle in the Skilled Trades?
Yes, often more than people expect. Many technicians already have the expertise, certifications, and tools needed to perform meaningful work outside their main job. Whether it’s body repair, mechanical help, estimating, detailing, or specialized tasks like ADAS calibration, those skills translate well into part-time gig assignments.
A side hustle for someone in the skilled trades can offer:
- Extra income during slower shop seasons
- A chance to work on different types of jobs outside their main role
- The ability to build a professional network
- Opportunities to try new workplaces without committing to a long-term shift
Because the auto repair landscape is unpredictable, shops often need short-term help. This makes supplemental work more accessible for technicians who want to pick up a few extra hours or take a project-based assignment.
Why Gigs Work So Well for Service Technicians
Flexible, job-based work fits naturally into the rhythm of this industry. Here’s why technicians, new and experienced, are turning to it:
Full-Time Body Techs Looking for Extra Work
Many full-time body techs take on gig assignments when their shop slows down, when overtime dries up, or when they want more control over their income. It lets them earn more without switching employers.
Skilled Pros Between Jobs
Job transitions happen. A technician moving from one shop to another may want to bridge the gap with short-term work. Gig roles provide continuity, income, and a chance to stay sharp during downtime.
Retirees and Moonlighters
Some retired technicians still enjoy the work but don’t want full-time hours. Others want to pick up occasional shifts to maintain their skills or supplement their retirement income. For both groups, career flexibility is the biggest advantage.
Why Shops Are Turning to Gig-Technicians
Collision repair centers know that volume swings are unpredictable. A hailstorm, icy roads, or heavy commuter traffic can suddenly flood a shop with more vehicles than they can manage. On the other hand, a quiet month can leave techs waiting for work.
This inconsistency is why many shop owners lean on gig workers during heavier seasons. It helps them stay on top of repairs without overstaffing during slower stretches.
And that brings up a growing challenge facing repair centers: the dangers of understaffing.
The Dangers of Understaffing in a Fast-Moving Industry
When a shop doesn’t have enough people to handle its workload, the entire operation feels the strain. Work slows down, cycle times stretch out, and customers face delays. With average repair times already rising nationwide, shops can’t afford to fall further behind.
Understaffing also impacts quality, increases burnout among full-time workers, and puts pressure on shop managers scrambling to keep up. This is why gig technicians are valuable. They help prevent bottlenecks, especially when full-time staff call in sick or when unexpected repair spikes hit.
The reverse is true as well. Shops don’t want to carry a large full-time payroll for work that might not come in every week. Balancing workload with available staff is difficult, which is exactly why flexible workers are becoming an important part of the industry.
The New Era of Work: A Win for Both Technicians and Shops
This shift toward gig-based opportunities benefits both sides of the industry.
- Technicians get more control, stronger income options, and schedule freedom.
- Shops get help during busy periods, reducing slowdowns and improving the customer experience.
The skilled trades are entering a new chapter. It’s one where talent can be used more efficiently, workers can shape their own schedules, and career flexibility becomes a real option instead of a rare perk.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re a technician interested in flexible work or a shop owner preparing for the next busy season, Bolt is here to help.
Work for Bolt connects skilled technicians with gig opportunities when and where they’re needed.
Find your next job. Fill your next shift. Get started today with Work for Bolt.
