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Aircraft Paint Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Painter

Guntersville, AL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

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 ...

Aircraft Painter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $33.25/hr

Aircraft Painter We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Aircraft Painter to join our aviation ... 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

Aircraft Painter We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Aircraft Painter to join our aviation ... old paint or contaminants. * Apply primers, base coats, and topcoats according to industry ...

Paint Specialist - 3268

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 Painter

Seattle, WA

$27.50 - $35/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

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27.50 - $35/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

$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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Aircraft Paint information

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$13

$26

$37

How much do aircraft paint jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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 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.

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.

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:

What other helpful pages are available for Aircraft Paint?

Other pages related to Aircraft Paint:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Paint job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,455 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Senior Manager of Paint Operations

Milan, IL • On-site

Elliott Aviation
Aviation • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Elliott Aviation rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Lead Excellence in Aircraft Paint Operations
Elliott Aviation, a leader in business aviation services since 1936, is seeking a Senior Manager of Paint Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for our aircraft paint business.
This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality aircraft refinishing operations while driving customer satisfaction, employee engagement, regulatory compliance, and financial performance.
The Senior Manager of Paint Operations will lead a team of supervisors, paint leads, painters, and support personnel while overseeing all aspects of aircraft paint production, quality, scheduling, resource planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced aviation leader who is passionate about operational excellence and delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced MRO environment.
Position Summary
The Senior Manager of Paint Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of aircraft paint operations. This position ensures aircraft are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with FAA requirements, OEM specifications, company quality standards, and customer expectations. The role partners closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Planning, Customer Experience, and Sales teams to support company growth and operational success.
Essential Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
  • Lead all aircraft paint operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
  • Develop and execute operational strategies that support growth, customer satisfaction, and profitability objectives.
  • Manage production schedules, workflow planning, staffing utilization, and resource allocation.
  • Monitor shop capacity and develop workforce plans that align with business demand.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and on-time aircraft delivery.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity, quality, and operational performance.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure all paint activities meet FAA regulations, OEM requirements, company procedures, and customer specifications.
  • Establish performance metrics and quality standards that promote workmanship excellence.
  • Lead investigations into quality discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
  • Maintain compliance with quality management systems, documentation, and inspection requirements.
Safety & Environmental Stewardship
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational discipline.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, environmental, and hazardous material requirements.
  • Oversee paint booth operations, ventilation systems, waste disposal practices, and environmental controls.
  • Conduct routine safety reviews and implement risk mitigation measures.
Financial Management
  • Develop and manage departmental operating budgets.
  • Monitor labor efficiency, productivity, material consumption, and operational expenses.
  • Track key performance indicators and implement actions to improve performance.
  • Partner in project estimating, forecasting, and capital planning activities.
Talent Leadership
  • Recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing team members.
  • Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.
  • Conduct performance reviews and succession planning activities.
  • Build a culture focused on engagement, teamwork, and continuous development.
Customer Experience
  • Serve as a key operational contact during aircraft paint projects.
  • Ensure customer requirements, branding standards, and delivery commitments are achieved.
  • Support customer meetings, facility tours, project reviews, and delivery presentations.
  • Resolve customer concerns and maintain strong business relationships.
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 10 years of aircraft paint, refinishing, completions, or aviation coatings experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing aircraft paint operations, aviation manufacturing operations, or FAA-regulated MRO environments.
  • Strong knowledge of aircraft paint systems, coating technologies, application methods, and surface preparation procedures.
  • Demonstrated success managing teams, budgets, workforce planning, and operational metrics.
  • Strong understanding of FAA, OSHA, EPA, and quality management requirements.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required airport security credentials.
Preferred
  • Business aviation MRO experience.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
  • Knowledge of Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Embraer, and Textron aircraft platforms.
  • Experience leading multiple paint lines or large-scale paint operations.

Benefits
At Elliott Aviation, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.
Our benefits include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Tuition Assistance Programs
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Relocation Assistance (where applicable)

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan provisions.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to climb ladders, stairs, platforms, and lifts to inspect aircraft and work areas.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to work in environments with noise, fumes, chemicals, paint-related materials, and varying temperatures.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Work Schedule
This position typically works standard business hours; however, flexibility is required to support production schedules, customer commitments, operational needs, and occasional weekend or extended-hour requirements.
Why Elliott Aviation?
For 90 years, Elliott Aviation has been a trusted provider of aviation services, combining technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our team members take pride in supporting some of the most respected aircraft owners and operators in the industry while building rewarding careers in aviation.
Join a company where your leadership can make a meaningful impact on our people, customers, and continued growth.
Compensation
$110,000 - $160,000 annually
Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including experience, education, certifications, specialized technical expertise, leadership background, and overall qualifications.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Elliott Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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