A 2008 prevailing labor rate survey commissioned by the Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) shows that those rates have risen 3.5 percent since 2007.

The survey covered Metropolitan Atlanta, and a total of 287
responses in the months of March and April were tallied.

Other results of the survey include:

Sheet Metal Rate

2007    $39.32

2008    $40.71

Increase = 3.54%

Refinish Rate

2007    $39.02

2008    $40.37

Increase = 3.46%

Mechanical Rate

2007    $70.02

2008    $72.55

Increase = 3.61%

Frame Rate

2007    $61.11

2008   $62.81

Increase = 2.78%

Paint and Material Rate

2007    $26.41       

2008    $27.32       

Increase = 3.45%