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Aircraft Paint Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Specialist - 3259

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $18.75/hr

The Paint Specialist silver tapes and chemically strips aircraft; masks, sands and prepares aircraft surface for priming; primes overalls; and prepares aircraft surface for and paints stripes and ...

Aircraft Painter

Los Angeles, CA

$26.25 - $33.25/hr

As an Aircraft Painter, you will work on a variety of aircraft types, ensuring the external ... old paint or contaminants. * Apply primers, base coats, and topcoats according to industry ...

Aircraft Painter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $33.25/hr

As an Aircraft Painter, you will work on a variety of aircraft types, ensuring the external ... old paint or contaminants. * Apply primers, base coats, and topcoats according to industry ...

AIRCRAFT PAINTER I

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Performs foundational paint applications for overall exterior aircraft surfaces and removable parts; independently and consistently performs advanced paint preparation operations for overall exterior ...

Paint Specialist - 3150

Provo, UT · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

The Paint Specialist silver tapes and chemically strips aircraft; masks, sands and prepares aircraft surface for priming; primes overalls; and prepares aircraft surface for and paints stripes and ...

Aircraft Painters

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$23.25 - $29.25/hr

This role is built for technicians who understand surface prep, paint systems, and the discipline ... Prepare aircraft surfaces for painting through sanding, media blasting, chemical stripping, and ...

Aircraft Painter

Mobile, AL · On-site

$24.25 - $30.50/hr

Perform paint touch-ups, rework, and repairs as required. * Conduct in-process and final ... Aircraft Finishing * Aerospace Quality Inspection

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Aircraft Paint information

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$13

$26

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How much do aircraft paint jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft paint 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 is the difference between Aircraft Paint vs Aircraft Painter?

AspectAircraft PaintAircraft Painter
CertificationsFAA certifications, OSHA safety trainingSimilar certifications, specialized in painting techniques
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturing, maintenance hangarsAircraft interiors, exteriors, maintenance facilities
Job FocusApplying paint, coatings, surface prepPainting aircraft surfaces, detailing
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, maintenance companiesAircraft repair shops, maintenance facilities

Aircraft Paint refers to the profession or process of applying paint to aircraft, often involving specialized coatings and surface prep. An Aircraft Painter is a skilled worker who performs the actual painting tasks on aircraft surfaces. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, Aircraft Paint emphasizes the overall process or industry, whereas Aircraft Painter focuses on the individual job duties.

What does an aircraft paint technician do?

An aircraft paint technician is responsible for preparing, painting, and finishing the exterior and sometimes interior surfaces of aircraft. This includes tasks such as sanding, masking, priming, applying paint, and adding decals or design elements according to strict aviation standards. The main goal is to protect the aircraft’s surface from corrosion and wear while ensuring it meets aesthetic and branding requirements. Technicians must follow safety protocols and use specialized tools and materials designed for the aviation industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aircraft Paint Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Paint Technician, you need expertise in surface preparation, paint application techniques, and knowledge of safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with specialized painting equipment, spray booths, and adherence to industry standards such as FAA regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong teamwork skills help ensure high-quality finishes and efficient workflow. These skills are crucial to deliver safe, durable, and visually appealing aircraft exteriors while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are the most common challenges faced by aircraft paint technicians on the job?

Aircraft paint technicians often work with strict deadlines and must carefully follow detailed specifications to ensure both aesthetic appeal and regulatory compliance. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can affect paint application and curing, requiring technicians to monitor and adjust their processes closely. Additionally, maintaining safety standards while handling chemicals and working in confined or elevated spaces is an ongoing challenge. Collaboration with maintenance crews and quality inspectors is essential to meet high industry standards and deliver safe, high-quality finishes.
More about Aircraft Paint jobs
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Paint jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Paint job openings:
What states have the most Aircraft Paint jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Paint jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Paint job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,455 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Paint Specialist - 3259

Paint Specialist - 3259

Duncan Aviation

Battle Creek, MI • On-site

$16.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Duncan Aviation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 54 rated aviation services


Job description

The Paint Specialist silver tapes and chemically strips aircraft; masks, sands and prepares aircraft surface for priming; primes overalls; and prepares aircraft surface for and paints stripes and some overall base painting according to manufacturer's specifications, Duncan Aviation approved procedures, and customer specifications in a safe and clean environment using Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and fall protection. In addition, this position may perform spray painting; and prepares and completes appropriate documentation and personal training log.
Essential Job Functions
1. With minimal supervision, proficiently applies primers and topcoats using appropriate techniques and knowledge of primers. Maintains pressure pots and paint guns.
2. With minimal supervision, masks and paints stripes per designer debrief and knowledge of paint products and paint mixing.
3. With minimal supervision, identifies areas of aircraft to be masked and/or polished as per designer debrief and also identifies problem areas such as working rivets, corrosion damaged BLE's, damaged windows, etc. for remasking and sanding aircraft using mechanical sanding methods. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of aircraft surfaces and composites.
4. With minimal supervision, masks aircraft and silvertapes aircraft surfaces per manufacturer's specifications and Duncan Aviation approved procedures. Removes old paint with liquid paint remover and pressure washer.
5. With minimal supervision, may paint landing gear, fuel caps, antennas and door frames of aircraft per designer debrief. Inspects painted and reports quality issues to crew leader or team leader.
6. Assures quality for assigned areas through visual inspection and performs final pre-paint prep by blowing, wiping and tacking entire surface to be painted. Identifies problem areas such as fuel leaks, sky-drol leaks, etc. and reports problems to crew leader or team leader.
7. With supervision prepares, signs off and understands various documents for record keeping purposes as required by Duncan Aviation approved procedures and FAA regulations (i.e. turnovers, removal sheets, W.O. Sheets, personal training log, and other work order related documents supporting the review of squawks and expected hours).
8. With minimal supervision, smoothes, etches and applies conversion coatings to aluminum surfaces with acid washes to ensure primers and paint adheres to surface.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
Job Specific Requirements
  • Licenses/Certificates: Man Lift required; Respirator Fit required
  • Attendance: Regularly scheduled attendance required
  • Physical: Routinely lifts up to 50 lbs.; tolerates products and materials associated with component maintenance; tolerates working in confined spaces and heights above four feet; tolerates standing for prolonged periods of time
  • Environmental: Tolerates working in extreme temperatures and noisy environments

Education and Experience
Paint Specialist I:
  • High school graduate or equivalent required
  • Previous mechanical experience or auto body accreditation preferred

Paint Specialist II:
  • High school graduate or equivalent required
  • Minimum of one year aircraft paint experience or three years related experience required

Paint Specialist III:
  • High school graduate or equivalent required
  • Minimum of two years aircraft paint experience required

Available Benefits
  • Moving is expensive and hard work! Relocation Assistance is available for those that qualify.
  • Duncan offers a comprehensive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation/Holiday) that is available to team members on day one.
  • Plan for your medical needs with a Health Savings Account (employer and employee contributions).
  • Save for your future through our 401(k) program where you can begin contributions within your first 45 days, 50% match on first 6% contributed
  • Participate in Duncan Aviation's Tool Account Program, to acquire & grow your Tool Inventory all while making interest free payments
  • Take advantage of a variety of In-House Training opportunities, or use Tuition Assistance to further your education.

Duncan Aviation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Company Description:
Duncan Aviation is the largest, family-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in the world providing complete nose-to-tail services for business aircraft. We value the individual experiences and diversity of our workforce and are proud to be a Veteran-Friendly Employer. Individuals of all backgrounds, nationalities, disability status, and military service are encouraged to apply.
Are you ready for an Experience. Unlike any other? Apply today!
Duncan Aviation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

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