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Airplane Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Career Site

Painter, Automotive

El Centro, CA

$28.41/hr

Operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes. Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

Career Site

Painter, Automotive

Lemoore, CA

$26.87/hr

Operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes. Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

Career Site

Painter, Automotive

Coronado, CA

$28.43/hr

Operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes. Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Wichita, KS

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

... Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial ... Mix paints to match color specifications or original colors, using spatulas or power mixing ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Wichita, KS · On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

... Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial ... Mix paints to match color specifications or original colors, using spatulas or power mixing ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Wichita, KS · On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

... Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial ... Mix paints to match color specifications or original colors, using spatulas or power mixing ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Wichita, KS

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

... Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial ... Mix paints to match color specifications or original colors, using spatulas or power mixing ...

Boeing

Aircraft Painter

North Charleston, SC

$65K - $67K/yr

The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is currently seeking an Aircraft Painter to support the Decorative Paint Team in North Charleston, South Carolina on Variable shift. We are ...

Boeing

Aircraft Painter

North Charleston, SC

$65K - $67K/yr

The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is currently seeking an Aircraft Painter to support the Decorative Paint Team in North Charleston, South Carolina on Variable shift. We are ...

Boeing

Aircraft Painter

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$65K - $67K/yr

The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is currently seeking an Aircraft Painter to support the Decorative Paint Team in North Charleston, South Carolina on Variable shift. We are ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Tulsa, OK

$22.25 - $28/hr

... Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial ... Thin and mix paints and other surfacing materials. * Set up and operate robotic spray coating ...

Spirit AeroSystems

Aircraft Painter

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$22.25 - $28/hr

... Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial ... Thin and mix paints and other surfacing materials. * Set up and operate robotic spray coating ...

Boeing

Painter Spray B - 03703

Auburn, WA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Painter Spray B to join our Paint team in Auburn, Washington. As a Painter Spray B, you will be a key player in ...

Boeing

Painter Spray B - 03703

Auburn, WA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Painter Spray B to join our Paint team in Auburn, Washington. As a Painter Spray B, you will be a key player in ...

Boeing

Painter Spray B - 03703

Auburn, WA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for a Painter Spray B to join our Paint team in Auburn, Washington. As a Painter Spray B, you will be a key player in ...

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Airplane Painter information

See salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do airplane painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for airplane 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.

How do you become an aircraft painter?

To become an aircraft painter, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or apprenticeship in aircraft painting and surface preparation. Skills in working with paints, primers, and spray equipment are essential, and some positions may require certification or experience with safety standards and environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by airplane painters, and how can they be managed effectively?

Airplane painters often encounter challenges such as working with large surfaces, adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations, and ensuring a flawless finish under tight deadlines. Managing these challenges involves careful surface preparation, using specialized equipment like spray guns in controlled environments, and staying updated on the latest safety guidelines. Teamwork is also crucial, as painters frequently collaborate with technicians and engineers to coordinate schedules and maintain quality standards.

How much is a paint job on a plane?

A paint job for an airplane typically costs between $250,000 and $500,000, depending on the aircraft size, complexity of the design, and the quality of materials used. Airplane painters need specialized skills and often work in hangar environments with high safety standards.

What does an airplane painter do?

An airplane painter is responsible for preparing and applying paint to aircraft surfaces, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and protection from environmental factors. Their job includes sanding, masking, priming, and painting planes according to strict safety and quality standards. Airplane painters often work in teams and follow detailed instructions or design specifications provided by airlines or manufacturers. In addition to painting, they may also be involved in touch-ups, repairs, and the application of decals or other markings.

What is the difference between Airplane Painter vs Aircraft Painter?

AspectAirplane PainterAircraft Painter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized painting certificationsHigh school diploma, specialized painting certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturing plants, maintenance facilitiesAircraft manufacturing plants, maintenance facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in commercial and private aviation sectorsPrimarily in aerospace manufacturing and repair
Job FocusPainting commercial airplanes and private jetsPainting various aircraft types, including military and commercial

Both Airplane Painters and Aircraft Painters require similar certifications and work in comparable environments. The main difference lies in their focus: Airplane Painters typically work on commercial and private aircraft, while Aircraft Painters may handle a broader range of aircraft types, including military and specialized planes. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path within the aviation industry.

How much do you get paid to paint airplanes?

Airplane painters typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled painters with certifications and experience working with specialized paints and equipment may earn higher wages, and some positions offer overtime or shift differentials.

What is an airplane paint job called?

An airplane paint job is commonly referred to as an aircraft livery or paint scheme. It involves applying specialized paints and coatings to the aircraft's exterior to enhance appearance, branding, and corrosion protection. Airplane painters use spray guns and follow strict safety and quality standards during the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airplane Painter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airplane Painter, you typically need experience with surface preparation, masking, and painting techniques, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with spray guns, paint booths, and specialized aviation coatings—plus knowledge of safety protocols and sometimes FAA certifications—is important. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work well in teams help ensure high-quality, precise results. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining aircraft appearance, safety standards, and regulatory compliance in the aviation industry.
More about Airplane Painter jobs
What job categories do people searching Airplane Painter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airplane Painter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Airplane Painter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,455 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Painter, Automotive

Career Site

El Centro, CA

$28.41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

PENDING CONTRACT AWARD

Job Title: Painter, Automotive

Location: FRCASE El Centro, CA

Task Description:

PAINTER, AUTOMOTIVE, BLS 51-9124, SCA 05310

Function: Operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes. Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

Required experience: N/A

Required education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED)

Compensation

$28.41/hour

Other Compensation

Employees will receive a health and welfare fringe benefit of $7.75 for every hour paid up to 80 hours per pay period.

Benefits

Employees are offered medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in KAI's 401k plan. Employees accrue bi-weekly from the first week of service 5.54 hours of PTO. KAI employees at El Centro, CA will have 11 paid holidays.

Employment is contingent on (a) your ability to provide appropriate proof of your identity and eligibility to work in the United States; (b) your references and any background check being satisfactory to the Company; (c) you successfully passing a pre-employment drug test; and (d) your ability to get a required clearance by your effective start date, if needed; and (e) KAI commencing performance on this contract.

Equal Opportunity Employer Disability/Vets

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