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Airplane Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assembly Line

Grove, OK

$13 - $14.30/hr

Putting tape on airplane parts before paint. Every job has to be accurate. (F) Demasking - taking tape off of parts after paint. (F) Facilitators - preparing paint for the painters. They have to suit ...

... airplane components through cleaning and sanding. Responsibilities: * Review customer paperwork for masking, unmasking, and painting instructions. * Inspect incoming parts for damage, scratches, or ...

Lead Paint Technician

Kinston, NC · On-site

$40K - $51K/yr

Job Summary The Lead Paint Technician position requires advanced knowledge of the paint process ... Exposure to loud noises including but not limited to airplane machinery and jet engines. * Mostly ...

Lead Paint Technician

Kinston, NC · On-site

$40K - $51K/yr

Job Summary The Lead Paint Technician position requires advanced knowledge of the paint process ... Exposure to loud noises including but not limited to airplane machinery and jet engines. * Mostly ...

A&P Mechanics

Oscoda, MI · On-site

$26.75 - $35/hr

An A&P mechanic inspects, services and repairs airplanes to ensure they're operating correctly and ... A mechanic working on the exterior of a plane may be fixing a broken wing, repairing paint or ...

... airplane components through cleaning and sanding. Responsibilities: * Review customer paperwork for masking, unmasking, and painting instructions. * Inspect incoming parts for damage, scratches, or ...

Paint correction, wet sanding, and polishing * Skilled use of wool buff and high-speed buffer ... Experience in detailing (automotive, boats, or airplanes) * Strong knowledge of buffing, polishing ...

Showing results 21-40

Airplane Painter information

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$13

$26

$37

How much do airplane painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.

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.

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.

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

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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, 3% Nights, and 3% Summer. 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 (Level B or Level C)

Boeing

North Charleston, SC • On-site

$65K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 539 rated manufacturers


Job description

Aircraft Painter (Level B or Level C)
Company:
The Boeing Company
Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is currently seeking an Aircraft Painter (Level B or Level C) to join the BSC 787 Factory Field Skill Team located in North Charleston, South Carolina on Variable shift.
Prepares exterior surface of aircraft for painting. Makes necessary patterns, performs layout and applies prescribed primers, paints and finishes to exterior of aircraft. Applies aircraft finishes and external markings to aircraft sections.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Prepares exterior surface of aircraft for painting
  • Makes necessary patterns, performs layout and applies prescribed primers, paints and finishes to exterior of aircraft
  • Applies aircraft finishes and external markings to aircraft sections

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • 1+ years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Ability to work a variable shift
  • 1+ years of painting experience in aircraft, automotive, industrial, or general painting
  • Required to wear fall protection gear, safety equipment and mask

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Aircraft paint experience
  • 6+ months of Aerospace, Fabrication, or Manufacturing experience

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Shift:
This position is for a variable shift (shift 4). Variable shift means you will be assigned a shift at the time of hire based on business needs. You will remain on your assigned work shift until a re-evaluation is required. Shifts assigned for training may differ from your permanent work shift.
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.
Pay & Benefits:
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: Level B: $55,680 - $64,000
Summary Pay Range: Level C: $65,280 - $67,320
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Not Applicable
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Export Control Requirement:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Safety Sensitive:
This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
Security Clearance:
This position does not require a Security Clearance.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 4 (United States of America)
Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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