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Aircraft Paint Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join our team as an Aircraft Paint Technician and help bring aircraft to life, one flawless finish ... Inspect surfaces for defects and ensure proper adhesion and finish quality. * Operate and maintain ...

Prepare aircraft surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and masking ... Apply primers and sealants to ensure proper adhesion of paint. * Inspect surfaces for defects and ...

Prepare, paint, and detail aircraft using established quality and safety standards. * Operate paint ... Coordinate with Quality and Inspection teams to ensure compliance with FAA and company requirements.

New

Prepare aircraft surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and masking ... Apply primers and sealants to ensure proper adhesion of paint. * Inspect surfaces for defects and ...

Paint Inspector

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Perform and document in-process, first article, receiving and final inspections on aircraft parts and processes Read and interpret information from planning documents, tool design, blue prints ...

Aircraft Painter

Dallas, TX · On-site

$30.17/hr

Prepare, paint, and detail aircraft using established quality and safety standards. * Operate paint ... Coordinate with Quality and Inspection teams to ensure compliance with FAA and company requirements.

PR · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Use of air and mechanical tools to paint aircraft parts will be necessary, as will the use of ... Be thoroughly familiar with all tools and equipment, including inspection aids, used within their ...

AIRCRAFT PAINTER I

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Inspects Aircraft Non-Sensitive Components before and after masking/unmasking process for ... Will learn Paint Inspection Points and to Learns When to Notify QC for Paint Applications and ...

Aircraft Painter - Wichita, KS

Wichita, KS

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

... paint. Apply Alodine to aircraft surface using spray equipment. Perform touch-up work as required. Document work performed per Inspection Procedures Manual (IPM) Perform above tasks in support of ...

Showing results 21-40

Aircraft Paint Inspector information

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$36K

$73.8K

$105K

How much do aircraft paint inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft paint inspector in the United States is $73,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an aircraft paint inspector?

Aircraft Paint Inspectors typically review completed paint jobs for defects, verify that all coatings meet required specifications, and document their findings using inspection reports or digital tools. They work closely with paint technicians and production teams to address any issues or rework needed. Daily tasks also include checking for surface preparation quality, proper masking, and correct application of primers and finishes. The role often requires moving between work areas on the shop floor and inspection stations, contributing both independently and as part of a larger quality assurance team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the aircraft paint inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Paint Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of aviation painting standards, and often a background in quality assurance or a related technical field. Familiarity with inspection tools such as gauges, thickness meters, and specialized software, as well as certifications like NACE or SSPC, is typically required. Clear communication skills, problem-solving ability, and teamwork are highly valued in this position. These skills ensure paint finishes meet safety and quality standards crucial to aircraft performance, durability, and regulatory compliance.

How to become an aircraft paint inspector?

To become an aircraft paint inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in aircraft painting and inspection. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, such as an Inspection Authorization (IA), is often required, along with experience in aircraft maintenance or painting. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of safety standards, and familiarity with inspection tools are essential for this role.
More about Aircraft Paint Inspector jobs
Infographic showing various Aircraft Paint Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,848 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Aircraft Paint Layout Technician

Elliott Aviation

Milan, IL • On-site

$20 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Elliott Aviation rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 67 rated aviation services


Job description

Elliott Aviation, a leader in aircraft solutions, has an exciting opportunity for a Paint Layout Technician at their location in Moline, IL. Since 1936, Elliott Aviation has been a world-class provider of customer-focused solutions for business aviation.
Join our team as an Aircraft Paint Technician and help bring aircraft to life, one flawless finish at a time. In this hands-on role, you'll apply your craftsmanship, attention to detail, and passion for aviation to prepare, paint, and finish aircraft exteriors and components to the highest industry standards. Every day, you'll work with specialized tools, advanced coatings, and a team of talented technicians who take pride in producing top-quality work that elevates safety, performance, and aesthetics.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
As an Aircraft Paint Technician, you'll be responsible for surface preparation, masking, priming, and applying topcoat finishes with precision and consistency. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where quality and safety are paramount and where your expertise contributes directly to an exceptional customer experience. If you're motivated, detail-oriented, and excited about building a career in aviation maintenance and refinishing, we'd love to have you on board.
  • 1st shift Position: Mon- Thurs; 6am - 4:30pm

PRIMARY RESPONSBILITIES:
  • Prepare aircraft surfaces through sanding, stripping, cleaning, and masking according to specifications.
  • Mix and apply primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings with precision and consistency.
  • Inspect surfaces for defects and ensure proper adhesion and finish quality.
  • Operate and maintain paint equipment, spray guns, and related tools safely.
  • Follow detailed blueprints, technical manuals, and paint schemes.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and compliant paint booths and workspaces.
  • Ensure all work meets FAA, OEM, and company quality standards.
  • Complete documentation, work orders, and logs accurately and on time.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and finishing teams to ensure project timelines are met.
  • Adhere to all safety procedures, including PPE use and hazardous material handling.

Top candidates will possess:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • 2+ years' previous experience in aircraft, automotive, industrial, or marine painting.
  • Knowledge of surface preparation techniques, paint mixing, and spray-gun application.
  • Ability to read and follow technical drawings, manuals, and paint specifications.
  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and safety.
  • Ability to lift, bend, stand, and work in confined spaces as needed.
  • Familiarity with proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., solvents, coatings).
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic computer skills for completing work orders and documentation.
  • Willingness to work varying shifts or overtime based on project needs.

Other requirements include:
  • Ability to obtain and retain an airport AOA badge
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs., work in confined spaces and in noisy environments
  • Ability to occasionally travel for work assignments
  • Ability to maintain a tool inventory in alignment with shop requirements

WHY JOIN ELLIOTT:
At Elliott Aviation, you're not just joining a company, you are becoming part of a legacy built on service, craftsmanship, and trust. For over eight decades, we've set the standard in aircraft services, delivering world-class craftsmanship and personalized solutions that keep our customers soaring. Here, your ideas matter, your expertise shines, and your career takes flight.
Moline, IL offers low cost of living, minimal traffic, and excellent outdoor recreation with lakes and hunting nearby. The area offers everything from downtown living to rural countryside.
We offer:
  • Benefits on Day 1
  • Sign-On Bonus
  • Relocation assistance
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage
  • FREE Generic prescriptions
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Technical and professional development
  • FUN!

The base hourly range for this role is $20.00 to $45.00 per hour. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of experience levels. Specific compensation for this role will be determined by several factors including but not limited to; minimum and preferred qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience and location.
Join a team where passion for aviation meets a culture of excellence and help us shape the future of flight.

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