ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Auto Body Paint Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wenzels Auto Body

Auto Body Paint Department

Pocasset, MA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

A career at Wenzel's Auto Body will provide you with the opportunity to work with leaders in the ... panels for paint • Sanding • Masking • Spraying Primer • Assisting team members with ...

Mills Automotive Group

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Baxter, MN · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Candidates must be passionate about working in the Auto Body industry! The primary duties of this position are: * Sanding and masking automotive panels in preparation for painting. * Color sanding ...

Mills Automotive Group

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Baxter, MN · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

This position is involved in all aspects of the vehicle preparation process before a vehicle that has been in our shop for auto body repair goes to the paint department. Qualified candidates must ...

Wenzels Auto Body

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Pocasset, MA · On-site

A career at Wenzel's Auto Body will provide you with the opportunity to work with leaders in the ... panels for paint • Sanding • Masking • Spraying Primer • Assisting team members with ...

Economy Auto Body

Auto Body Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$800 - $1.3K/wk

Auto Body Painter / Estimator Reports To: Shop Manager | Job Type: Full-Time Job Summary We are looking for a skilled, versatile Auto Body Painter / Estimator to bridge front-end customer service and ...

CSN Collision

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Vineyard, UT · On-site

Art City Auto Body is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Paint Prepper to support our refinish department. This role is essential to ensuring vehicles are properly prepared for painting and ...

CSN Collision

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Vineyard, UT · On-site

Art City Auto Body is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Paint Prepper to support our refinish department. This role is essential to ensuring vehicles are properly prepared for painting and ...

CSN Collision

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Vineyard, UT · On-site

Art City Auto Body is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Paint Prepper to support our refinish department. This role is essential to ensuring vehicles are properly prepared for painting and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAuto Body Paint Apprentice Jobs

Auto Body Paint Apprentice information

See salary details

$12

$27

$48

How much do auto body paint apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto body paint apprentice in the United States is $27.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an auto body paint apprentice do?

An Auto Body Paint Apprentice assists experienced auto body technicians in preparing and painting vehicles. Their duties typically include sanding surfaces, masking areas, mixing paint, and applying primers or topcoats under supervision. Apprentices learn to use various tools and equipment, follow safety procedures, and develop skills in color matching and finishing techniques. Over time, they gain hands-on experience needed to advance to a fully qualified auto body painter.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an auto body paint apprentice?

To thrive as an Auto Body Paint Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of automotive repair, surface preparation, and paint application, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with spray guns, sanding equipment, masking tools, and safety protocols is typically required, and completion of OSHA or I-CAR certifications can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and good communication skills help apprentices excel in a team environment. These skills ensure high-quality finishes, adherence to safety standards, and smooth workflow in a fast-paced auto body shop.

What are some common challenges auto body paint apprentices face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Auto Body Paint Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering spray techniques, understanding different types of automotive paints, and learning how to prepare surfaces properly. These tasks require attention to detail and patience, as mistakes can affect the final finish. Working closely with experienced technicians, seeking feedback, and practicing on scrap panels can help apprentices build their skills and confidence. Additionally, staying up to date on safety procedures and shop protocols ensures a smoother learning process and helps prevent workplace accidents.

What is the difference between Auto Body Paint Apprentice vs Auto Body Repair Technician?

AspectAuto Body Paint ApprenticeAuto Body Repair Technician
CredentialsBasic high school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPainting booths, repair shops, outdoor workRepair shops, collision centers, body shops
Job FocusLearning painting techniques, surface prep, color matchingRepairing dents, replacing panels, structural repairs

Auto Body Paint Apprentices focus on learning painting skills and surface preparation, while Auto Body Repair Technicians handle broader collision repairs. Both roles often work together in collision repair shops and require similar certifications, but apprentices are in training to develop specialized painting expertise.

What cities are hiring for Auto Body Paint Apprentice jobs?

Cities with the most Auto Body Paint Apprentice job openings:

What states have the most Auto Body Paint Apprentice jobs?

States with the most job openings for Auto Body Paint Apprentice jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Auto Body Paint Apprentice jobs?

For Auto Body Paint Apprentice jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Auto Body Paint Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auto Body Paint Apprentice job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,455 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Autobody Paint Prepper

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

International Body Shop
See more jobs at International Body Shopexternal

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Paint Prepper to join our auto body and repair team. In this role, you will prepare vehicles and parts for the refinishing process by cleaning, sanding, masking, and applying primers. Your craftsmanship directly impacts our final paint quality, safety standards, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Surface Preparation: Wash, clean, degrease, and sand vehicle surfaces to eliminate rust, old paint, and surface imperfections.
  • Masking & Protection: Cover windows, trim, and non-painted areas using automotive tape, paper, and plastic sheeting.
  • Priming: Mix and apply primers evenly to protect surfaces and build a flawless base for topcoats.
  • Equipment Operation: Safely operate and maintain shop tools, including orbital sanders, buffers, spray guns, and paint booths.
  • Team Collaboration: Coordinate closely with lead painters and collision technicians to maintain an efficient workflow.
  • Safety & Compliance: Adhere to shop safety regulations, environmental standards, and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Experience: Prior auto body repair or surface prep experience preferred; entry-level candidates with strong mechanical aptitude are welcome to apply.
  • Technical Aptitude: Familiarity with automotive refinishing products, sanding techniques, and masking methods.
  • Physical Demands: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and lift up to [e.g., 50 lbs].
  • Quality Focus: Sharp eye for micro-flaws to ensure a seamless final finish.

Company Description

International Body Shop is a family-owned and operated full-service collision repair shop with over five decades of experience. We promise to provide outstanding customer service as well as the finest quality repair and body shop work in Elmhurst, IL, and the surrounding area.

Our goal has always been to provide the best service and we have been in business for over 40 years because we have been able to deliver on that promise.