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Aerospace Paint Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin

Aerospace Painter Level 2

Littleton, CO · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

The Aerospace Painter is responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing aerospace structures and components-including tooling, satellite panels, and spacecraft hardware-to meet stringent aerospace ...

Quality Machine & Fab

Industrial Painter

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Maintain a clean and organized paint booth and work area * Follow all safety, quality, FAA, and OSHA requirements What We're Looking For * Previous industrial or aerospace painting experience

Apply Early

Dassault Aviation

PAINT DETAILER II

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Aerospace Paint Experience is Preferred Familiarity with LEAN Manufacturing and Quality Assurance Principles WORKING CONDITIONS: Climate-Controlled \Hangars, with Occasional Work Outside Involves ...

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How much do aerospace paint jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace paint in the United States is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by aerospace paint technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Aerospace paint technicians often encounter challenges such as working with complex aircraft surfaces, adhering to strict safety and quality standards, and managing tight project deadlines. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective use of personal protective equipment, and thorough knowledge of surface preparation and application techniques. Collaboration with engineering and quality assurance teams is also essential to ensure that all coatings meet regulatory and client specifications, making strong communication skills an asset in this role.

What does an aerospace paint technician do?

An aerospace paint technician is responsible for applying protective and decorative coatings to aircraft and aerospace components. Their duties include preparing surfaces, mixing and applying paints or coatings, following strict safety and quality standards, and ensuring the finished surface meets industry requirements. This job often requires knowledge of specialized painting techniques and the ability to work with hazardous materials in controlled environments.

What is the highest paid painting job?

In the aerospace painting industry, senior or specialized roles such as aerospace paint supervisors or lead technicians tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually. These positions require advanced skills, certifications, and experience working with high-performance coatings and complex aircraft surfaces.

What is the difference between Aerospace Paint vs Aircraft Painter?

AspectAerospace PaintAircraft Painter
CertificationsOften requires specialized training in aerospace coatingsTypically needs basic painting certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, aerospace plants, controlled environmentsAircraft maintenance hangars, repair shops
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing and defenseIn service aircraft maintenance and repair
Job FocusApplying specialized coatings for durability and compliancePainting and touch-up of aircraft exteriors and interiors

While both roles involve painting aircraft, Aerospace Paint specialists focus on applying advanced coatings in controlled environments to meet strict aerospace standards. Aircraft Painters typically work on maintenance and repairs, using more general painting techniques. The key differences lie in certifications, work settings, and the scope of work within the aviation industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Painter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Painter, you need knowledge of surface preparation, paint application techniques, and familiarity with industry safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Experience with specialized paint spraying equipment, understanding of technical datasheets, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or NACE are highly valued. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong teamwork skills help ensure high-quality finishes and efficient workflow. These skills are essential for maintaining safety, meeting stringent aerospace quality standards, and ensuring the durability and performance of aircraft components.

How much do you get paid to paint airplanes?

Aerospace paint technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled workers with specialized training in aircraft painting and knowledge of safety standards can earn higher wages, especially in large manufacturing or maintenance facilities.

Can aircraft painters make 6 figures?

Aircraft painters, also known as aerospace paint technicians, typically earn salaries below six figures, with median wages around $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Achieving a six-figure income may require extensive experience, specialized skills, certifications, or working in high-paying aerospace or defense sectors.

What is an aerospace painter?

An aerospace painter is a skilled worker responsible for applying protective and decorative coatings to aircraft and spacecraft components. They typically use specialized spray equipment, follow strict safety and quality standards, and may need certifications in hazardous materials handling and painting techniques.
More about Aerospace Paint jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Paint jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Paint job openings:
What states have the most Aerospace Paint jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Paint jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Paint jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Paint jobs are:
Aerospace Paint jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Paint job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,060 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Aerospace Painter Level 2

Aerospace Painter Level 2

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Littleton, CO

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 387 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

The Aerospace Painter is responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing aerospace structures and components-including tooling, satellite panels, and spacecraft hardware-to meet stringent aerospace durability, corrosionresistance, thermalcontrol, and visualappearance standards. The role blends handson surfacepreparation techniques with precise application of primers, specialty paints, and protective coatings, while adhering to rigorous quality, safety, and documentation requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Inspect incoming parts and verify surfacepreparation specifications; perform cleaning, solvent wiping, sanding, abrasive blasting, or chemical stripoff to achieve required surface roughness.
Apply primers, basecoat, topcoat, and specialty coatings (e.g., antistatic, conductive, thermalcontrol) using spray guns, dip tanks, rollers, brushes, or robotic applicators in accordance with approved work instructions and coating data sheets.
Conduct inprocess inspections: verify coating thickness with ultrasonic or magnetic gauges, perform adhesion and cure tests, and document results in the quality system.
Maintain and calibrate painting equipment, monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, airflow), and ensure proper ventilation and PPE use.
Record material lot numbers, application parameters, and inspection data in the manufacturing execution system (MES) to ensure full traceability.
Participate in rootcause investigations for nonconformances, implement corrective actions, and contribute to continuousimprovement initiatives (kaizen, lean).
Follow all safety, hazardousmaterial, and environmental regulations (OSHA, EPA, NFPA) and comply with cleanroom or controlledenvironment protocols where required.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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