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Aircraft Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thrush Aircraft

Aircraft Painter

Albany, GA · On-site

$22.25 - $28.25/hr

Aircraft Painter Job Summary An aircraft painter prepares exterior and interior surfaces for a variety of paints, coatings and finishes. The Aircraft Painter works on fabricated aircraft parts, fixed ...

pds

Aircraft Painter

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$45 - $48/hr

Processor 4D (Aircraft Painter) Location: Tulsa, OK Job Type: Full-Time Consultant Pay Rate: $46 per hour Schedule: Monday-Friday Shift Requirements: Must be available to work any assigned shift ...

PDS Tech Commercial

Aircraft Painter

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$46/hr

Processor 4D (Aircraft Painter) Location: Tulsa, OK Job Type: Full-Time Consultant Pay Rate: $46 per hour Schedule: Monday-Friday Shift Requirements: Must be available to work any assigned shift ...

CBL Solutions

Aircraft Painter

Peru, IN · On-site

$22.50 - $28.50/hr

Aircraft Painter Location: Peru, IN Duration: 6 Month Contract Job Requirements: • Minimum 3-5 years of experience as an Aircraft Painter • Experience with aircraft surface preparation, sanding ...

TSMG

Aircraft Painter

Seattle, WA

$27.50 - $35/hr

As an Aircraft Painter, you will work on a variety of aircraft types, ensuring the external appearance and protective coating of the aircraft meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards. Your ...

PDS Tech Commercial

Aircraft Painter

Dallas, TX

$30.17/hr

Bring Aircraft to Life - Join Us as an Aircraft Painter! Location: Dallas, TX | Pay Rate: $30.17/hour | Schedule: 1st Shift (5am - 3pm) PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the ...

TSMG

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 appearance and protective coating of the aircraft meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards. Your ...

TSMG

Aircraft Painter

Seattle, WA

$27.50 - $35/hr

As an Aircraft Painter, you will work on a variety of aircraft types, ensuring the external appearance and protective coating of the aircraft meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards. Your ...

TSMG

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 appearance and protective coating of the aircraft meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards. Your ...

pds

Aircraft Painter

Dallas, TX · On-site

$30.17/hr

Bring Aircraft to Life - Join Us as an Aircraft Painter! Location: Dallas, TX | Pay Rate: $30.17/hour | Schedule: 1st Shift (5am - 3pm) PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the ...

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Aircraft Painter information

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How much do aircraft painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft painter 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 painter do?

As an aircraft painter, your job is to paint and polish the surface of an aircraft or aircraft parts. You must be physically fit to lift and carry 40 pounds or more of equipment and supplies, and you need the stamina to work on your feet for up to eight hours at a time. Your job duties include creating design drafts before actually painting on an aircraft, considering the artistic layout of your work, and then applying your designs to the aircraft. You also repair defects in aircraft paint and do minor aesthetic repairs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft painter?

To thrive as an Aircraft Painter, you need experience with surface preparation, paint application techniques, and knowledge of aviation safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with spray guns, sanders, respirators, and industry-standard coatings like epoxy and polyurethane is crucial, as is compliance with OSHA and FAA regulations. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and good communication skills set outstanding painters apart in this field. These skills and qualities ensure that aircraft meet stringent safety and aesthetic requirements while minimizing costly errors or rework.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by aircraft painters on the job?

Aircraft Painters often face challenges such as working with complex surface geometries, ensuring even paint application, and adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations. The job frequently requires working in confined spaces or at heights, sometimes in varying temperatures. Maintaining high attention to detail is crucial, as minor imperfections can affect both the appearance and performance of the aircraft. Collaboration with maintenance teams and following precise specifications are also essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between Aircraft Painter vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAircraft PainterAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsOften requires specialized painting certifications and OSHA safety trainingRequires FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in paint booths, hangars, or on aircraft exteriorsIn hangars or on the tarmac, performing repairs and inspections
Job FocusApplying paint, coatings, and finishes to aircraft surfacesInspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft systems

While both roles work in the aviation industry, Aircraft Painters specialize in surface finishing and painting, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians focus on overall aircraft repair and maintenance. Both require safety certifications and work in hangar environments, but their daily tasks and skill sets differ significantly.

How much do aircraft painters earn?

Aircraft painters typically earn between $35,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled painters with certifications and experience working with specialized tools may earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace manufacturing or maintenance environments.

How much do aircraft painters make in the US?

Aircraft painters in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled painters with specialized training or working in high-demand areas can earn higher wages and may receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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Aircraft Painter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Painter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,455 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Aircraft Painter

Albany, GA • On-site

Thrush Aircraft
Aviation • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Thrush Aircraftexternal

$22.25 - $28.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Aircraft Painter

 

Job Summary
 An aircraft painter prepares exterior and interior surfaces for a variety of paints, coatings and finishes. The Aircraft Painter works on fabricated aircraft parts, fixed-wing aircraft, and aircraft sub-assemblies according to detailed engineering specifications. The Aircraft Painter must read work instructions and planning documents to apply external markings, decals and stripes to match customer requirements. The Aircraft Painter must be able to work in various positions, standing, bending walking, seated reaching, working on stands, ladders, etc. to complete tasks.

 

Reports To: Paint Shop Supervisor

Essential Job Functions

  • The Aircraft Painter cleans, preps, sands, primes, and applies topcoat to small parts, assemblies, skins, flight controls, wings, fuselages, complete aircraft, and R&D projects. 
  • The Aircraft Painter must be capable of following detailed engineering specifications.
  • The Aircraft Painter blends, buffs, strips, and sand blasts parts as needed for production.
  • Performs assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Follows all safety procedures and practices established by company policies/guidelines.
  • The Aircraft Painter verifies that all required documentation is properly completed.
  • Housekeeping and maintaining prep and paint booths “Clean As You Go”.

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Self-motivated with a results-driven approach
  • Broad knowledge of painting applications in the aerospace and/or automotive industries 
  • Ability to work within a team and perform individual assignments
  • Able to be flexible and deal with complex issues in a fast-paced setting
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings, work instructions, and quality specifications
  • Excellent Written and Verbal communication skills

 Desired Skills

  • Team player with ability to interact with multiple manufacturing departments, quality, engineering, and management 
  • Must have a professional demeanor and be open to change
  • Experience in aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and /or industrial craft preferred
  • Ability to read, write, and understand the English language and to follow verbal and written instruction
  • Desire for advancement and an upward career trajectory

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