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Auto Body Paint Prepper Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

North Olmsted, OH · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

Gerber Collision & Glass

Paint Prepper

North Olmsted, OH · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

North Olmsted, OH

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

North Olmsted, OH · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

North Olmsted, OH

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers Competitive Pay ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Columbus, OH

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Columbus, OH · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers Competitive Pay ...

Gerber Collision & Glass

Paint Prepper

Columbus, OH

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Columbus, OH · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

Carvana

Auto Body Prepper

Cleveland, OH

Experienced Prepper (min 5 years professional experience): train other autobody technicians and ... Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless ...

New

Carvana

Auto Body Prepper

Elyria, OH · On-site

Experienced Prepper (min 5 years professional experience): train other autobody technicians and ... Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless ...

New

Carvana

Auto Body Prepper

Lorain, OH

Experienced Prepper (min 5 years professional experience): train other autobody technicians and ... Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless ...

New

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All JobsAuto Body Paint Prepper JobsAuto Body Paint Prepper Jobs in Ohio

Auto Body Paint Prepper information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$17

$22

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto body paint prepper in Ohio is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an auto body paint prepper?

An Auto Body Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicles for painting by sanding, masking, priming, and cleaning surfaces. They ensure a smooth and even base for the paint application by removing imperfections, rust, and old paint. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of automotive coatings, and the ability to work with various tools and materials. Preppers often collaborate with painters and technicians in body shops to maintain high-quality finishes. Proper preparation is crucial for achieving a professional and long-lasting paint job.

What does an auto body paint prepper do?

As an Auto Body Paint Prepper, your day typically involves inspecting vehicles for imperfections, sanding and masking surfaces, cleaning panels to remove dust and contaminants, and ensuring all surfaces are ready for painting. You will often collaborate closely with paint technicians and body repair teams to coordinate work and ensure a smooth workflow. Attention to safety and detail is important, as you'll be working with specialized equipment in a shop environment. Over time, consistent performance can lead to opportunities for advancement to paint technician roles or other positions in auto body repair. The role requires a balance of technical skill, teamwork, and an eye for quality that directly impacts customer satisfaction.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an auto body paint prepper?

To thrive as an Auto Body Paint Prepper, you need a solid understanding of surface preparation techniques, attention to detail, and experience with sanding, masking, and cleaning vehicle surfaces; a high school diploma or equivalent is often required. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as sanders, spray guns, respirators, and paint booths, as well as adherence to safety protocols, is important, while some employers may prefer candidates with I-CAR or similar certifications. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, reliability, and an ability to follow detailed instructions help candidates excel. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring high-quality paint finishes, meeting shop deadlines, and maintaining workplace safety standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Ohio?

For Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Ohio are:

Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auto Body Paint Prepper job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,443 per year, or $17 per hour.

Auto Body Prepper Technician (Flag) - $2,500 New Hire Sign On Bonus

Cox Automotive

Grove City, OH • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Cox Automotive rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 151 rated financial services

Job description

Position Summary
The Auto Body Paint Prepper & Sander is responsible for preparing vehicles for the refinishing process by performing sanding, masking, minor repairs, and paint preparation activities. This position supports the paint department by ensuring vehicles are properly prepped, repaired, and ready for high-quality paint application while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
Will serve as the primary back-up for our Buffing Technician. Will fill in as needed depending on workload and business needs. During downtime, may be asked to assist with parts hanging and other shop-related Duties.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
  • Prepare vehicles and panels for paint work using DA orbital sanders and other preparation tools.
  • Sand and feather-edge repaired areas to ensure proper paint adhesion and finish quality.
  • Assist with masking, taping, and protecting vehicles prior to entering the paint booth.
  • Assist with loading and staging vehicles in paint booths as needed.
  • Serve as a backup for the Buffing Technician when necessary.
  • Perform minor body repairs, including chip fill and surface defect corrections.
  • Follow repair orders accurately and complete assigned work within established production timelines.
  • Assist with parts management and organization to manage Aged units and Flow.
  • Maintain high-quality workmanship by adhering to company standards, SOPs, and OEM guidelines.
  • Conduct quality control inspections to ensure repairs meet appearance and quality expectations.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Properly maintain tools, equipment, and workstations.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, estimators, painters, and team members regarding repair status and concerns.
  • Follow all shop safety practices, OSHA regulations, and environmental compliance requirements.
  • Assist with parts handling, buffing, detailing, and other body shop-related duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in an automotive body shop environment as a Paint Prepper and Masking Technician.
  • Experience using orbital DA sanders and related preparation equipment.
  • Knowledge of vehicle parts removal and installation.
  • Experience with paint preparation and paint correction, masking, painting support, and buffing processes.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

SMCOX
Benefits:
Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets

What Cox Automotive employees say

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About Cox Automotive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Cox Automotive, people of every background are driven by their passion for mobility, innovation and community. We transform the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars, accelerating the industry with global powerhouse brands like Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim and more. What's more, we do it all with an emphasis on employee growth and happiness. Drive your future forward and join Cox Automotive today! Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today! Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page . Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship. Statement to ALL Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations: Cox accepts resumes only from agencies with which we formally engage their services. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Cox employees, Cox hiring manager, or send to any Cox facility. Cox is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.

Industry

Automobile dealers and technology, communication and media

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

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