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Aircraft Paint Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Painter

Berkeley, MO · On-site

$51.02/hr

Layout, spray paint, and apply finish coats on exterior surface of completed aircraft. * Scuff ... Experience with painting prep-work including sanding, cleaning, and masking * Experience with Robot ...

Layout, spray paint, and apply finish coats on exterior surface of completed aircraft. * Scuff ... Experience with painting prep-work including sanding, cleaning, and masking * Experience with Robot ...

Painter

Oscoda, MI · On-site

$21.25 - $25.50/hr

High school graduate; experience in exterior prep and paint on commercial category aircraft. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, write and understand spoken and written English. Ability to write routine ...

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Essential Duties: · Read and follow CAC and customers processes and procedures. · Prep work on ... painting preferred. Company Description CUSTOM AIRCRAFT CABINETS CUSTOM AIRCRAFT CABINETS ...

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Urgent

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Essential Duties: · Read and follow CAC and customers processes and procedures. · Prep work on ... painting preferred. Company Description CUSTOM AIRCRAFT CABINETS CUSTOM AIRCRAFT CABINETS ...

New

Urgent

... prep the parts for paint application. This position will require them to work closely with other ... The Aircraft Painter coats surfaces of aircraft with paint, lacquer, epoxy, resin or other material ...

Painter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$31.87/hr

Basic Qualifications Surface Prep and Coating Experience: Demonstrated experience in sanding, masking, priming, and painting aircraft or similar complex surfaces, with the ability to follow precise ...

Painter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$31.87/hr

Basic Qualifications Surface Prep and Coating Experience: Demonstrated experience in sanding, masking, priming, and painting aircraft or similar complex surfaces, with the ability to follow precise ...

Be Seen First

... to prep the parts for paint application. * This position will require them to work closely with ... The Aircraft Painter coats surfaces of aircraft with paint, lacquer, epoxy, resin or other material ...

Painter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$31.87/hr

Basic Qualifications Surface Prep and Coating Experience: Demonstrated experience in sanding, masking, priming, and painting aircraft or similar complex surfaces, with the ability to follow precise ...

Painter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$31.87/hr

Basic Qualifications Surface Prep and Coating Experience: Demonstrated experience in sanding, masking, priming, and painting aircraft or similar complex surfaces, with the ability to follow precise ...

Painter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$31.87/hr

Basic Qualifications Surface Prep and Coating Experience: Demonstrated experience in sanding, masking, priming, and painting aircraft or similar complex surfaces, with the ability to follow precise ...

Showing results 21-40

Aircraft Paint Prep information

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$13

$26

$37

How much do aircraft paint prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft paint prep in the United States is $26.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aircraft paint prep do?

An Aircraft Paint Prep is responsible for preparing aircraft surfaces before they are painted. This involves tasks such as cleaning, sanding, masking, and removing old paint or corrosion to ensure that the new paint adheres correctly and lasts longer. They play a critical role in ensuring the quality and durability of the aircraft's finish. Attention to detail and safety protocols are important in this job, as improper preparation can affect the appearance and integrity of the paint job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft paint prep, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Paint Prep, you need knowledge of surface preparation techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with sanding tools, masking equipment, and chemical solvents is vital, as is understanding safety data sheets and potentially holding OSHA certification. Strong teamwork, time management, and effective communication skills help ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely. These skills are crucial to maintain the quality and safety of aircraft finishes, prevent rework, and ensure compliance with strict industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by aircraft paint prep technicians, and how can they be managed effectively?

Aircraft Paint Prep technicians often face challenges such as working with hazardous materials, maintaining strict cleanliness standards, and meeting tight production schedules. Attention to detail is essential, as any imperfections in surface preparation can affect the final paint quality. Effective communication with team members and adherence to safety protocols help manage these challenges. Continuous training and staying updated on industry best practices also contribute to success in this role.

What is the difference between Aircraft Paint Prep vs Aircraft Painter?

AspectAircraft Paint PrepAircraft Painter
CertificationsOSHA, safety training, possibly FAA certificationsFAA certifications, spray painting licenses
Work EnvironmentAircraft hangars, maintenance facilitiesAircraft exteriors, paint booths, hangars
Primary ResponsibilitiesSurface cleaning, sanding, masking, primingApplying paint, finishing coats, detailing

Aircraft Paint Prep involves preparing aircraft surfaces for painting through cleaning, sanding, and masking, ensuring proper adhesion. Aircraft Painter focuses on applying paint and finishing coats to achieve the desired appearance. Both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, but their core tasks differ: prep vs painting application.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Paint Prep jobs?

For Aircraft Paint Prep jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Paint Prep job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,455 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Aircraft Painter

Berkeley, MO • On-site

Boeing
Aviation • 10K+ employees

$51.02/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 618 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Aircraft Painter
Company:
Process Mechanic-Painter
As a Boeing employee, you'll be part of a winning team that does great things every day.
Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS) is seeking an Aircraft Painter to support the Paint Team in Berkeley, Hazelwood, or St. Charles, MO!
A successful painter will prepare, paint, and finish coatings to full aircraft, parts, and assemblies. While on the shop floor you will also lay out paint schemes and designs. You will perform and complete specialized paint assignments. Teammates will identify nonconforming detail parts, assemblies, and processes. You will be expected to work with engineering to improve manufacturing processes.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Layout and paint lettering, pictures, and background with or without aid.
  • Apply stencils, layout and apply stripes, align and apply insignias and silk screens.
  • Layout, spray paint, and apply finish coats on exterior surface of completed aircraft.
  • Scuff, clean, mask, and spray apply coatings on interior and exterior of major assemblies.
  • Spray blend, roll, and touch up paint with brushes and rollers as required.
  • Use graphic aids and blueprints to measure and mask areas to omit paint.
  • Mix and apply paint, sealers, and fillers.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
Security Clearance and Export Control Requirements:
This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. secret clearance Post Start is required
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
• 1+ years' experience spray painting (on the job or in an educational environment)
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Experience with aerospace or automotive spray painting
  • Experience with painting prep-work including sanding, cleaning, and masking
  • Experience with Robot Automation

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Additional Information:
  • This is a union-represented position
  • This is an hourly position governed by the International Association of Machinist (IAM 837) Collective Bargaining Agreement
  • The selected candidate must be able to work any shift, as assigned.
  • New Hires, as well as employees who transfer from non-union positions, may be required to attend some type of training upon their start. Once any required training has been completed all new employees will be considered on probation for a period of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Shift:
  • The candidate must be able to work any shift assigned

Relocation:
  • Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense

Total Rewards:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range: $22.00/hour - $51.02/hour
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Not Applicable
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Export Control Requirement:
Safety Sensitive:
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US