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Auto Body Prepper Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Puget Collision

Paint Prepper/Detailer

Corona, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Auto Body Collision Repair: Paint Prepper with Detail Duties Auto Paint Prepper with Detailer Duties The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle ...

All JobsAuto Body Prepper JobsAuto Body Prepper Jobs in Riverside, CA

Auto Body Prepper information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$28

$50

How much do auto body prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto body prepper in Riverside, CA is $28.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $33.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Auto Body Prepper?

As an Auto Body Prepper, your daily tasks primarily involve inspecting vehicles for damage, sanding and cleaning surfaces, masking off areas, and preparing panels for paint application. You may also mix and apply primers, handle minor bodywork, and assist the paint technicians in maintaining a clean and organized work area. Attention to detail is crucial, as proper preparation directly impacts the quality of the finished paint job. The role often requires continuous collaboration with painters, estimators, and other body shop team members to ensure each vehicle meets both safety and cosmetic standards.

What is an Auto Body Prepper job?

An Auto Body Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicles for painting by sanding, masking, priming, and cleaning surfaces. They ensure the bodywork is smooth and free of imperfections before paint application. Preppers work closely with painters and body technicians to maintain quality standards. Their role is essential in achieving a flawless finish and long-lasting paint job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Auto Body Prepper position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Auto Body Prepper, you need solid knowledge of surface preparation techniques, sanding, masking, and the use of auto body repair tools and materials. Familiarity with paint mixing systems, spray equipment, and adherence to safety protocols such as OSHA standards or I-CAR certification is often required. Attention to detail, time management, and strong teamwork skills help you excel in a fast-paced repair shop environment. These abilities ensure high-quality finishes, safe practices, and efficient collaboration with painters and technicians, leading to successful project outcomes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Body Prepper jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Auto Body Prepper jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Auto Body Prepper jobs in Riverside, CA? For Auto Body Prepper jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Auto Body Prepper jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Auto Body Prepper jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Auto Body Prepper jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Auto Body Prepper job openings:
Auto Body Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auto Body Prepper job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,941 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Paint Prepper/Detailer

Puget Collision

Corona, CA • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Auto Body Collision Repair: Paint Prepper with Detail Duties

Job Description: Auto Paint Prepper with Detailer Duties


The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle repaired under the supervision of a Lead Painter. The paint helper must ensure quality in protection of vehicle and paint application while providing a timely delivery to meet repair target dates.

The Detailer is responsible for providing interior and exterior cleaning services that meet company expectations. This will include prepping a vehicle for repair as well as washing for delivery by removing all signs of repair. The detailer takes part in maintaining the organization and flow of the vehicles on the lot. Additional duties will also include assisting in the maintenance and cleanliness of the facility both inside and out and picking up parts and or customers as needed.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Location: Full Time Hourly

Job Responsibilities:

  • Inspect quality of repairs, received by the Body Department before painting begins.
  • Ensures safe and organized vehicle flow in and out for the Paint department
  • Adhere to paint production schedule as designated by Lead Painter
  • Capable of operating Spray Booth & other paint related equipment
  • Ability to mask and apply protection for a vehicle appropriately.
  • Knowledgeable in cleaning and sand prepping the area for spraying.
  • Accurately selects paint materials and mixes paint accurately to color code.
  • Ability to spot paint accurately, seeing details at a close range and judging colors accurately.
  • Skilled in applying paint that is corrosion resistant and creates a smooth, consistent finish.
  • Ability to disassemble, clean and reassemble painting equipment
  • Return spray booth and mix room to pre-paint condition after each repair.
  • Ensures a clean and safe work area, utilizing PPE equipment effectively, hazardous waste compliance is followed.
  • Bring shortages of supplies to the attention of the Lead Painter for replenishment
  • Adhere to company standard for paint supplies and product.
  • Clean vehicle interior and exterior, ensuring attention to detail and in compliance with Center Leader instruction and any courtesy requests have been completed.
  • Operate buffer, vacuums, and other equipment if necessary to meet service expectations.
  • Utilize cleaning, protective, and restorative agents appropriately to enhance the appearance of the vehicle ensuring no extra harm to the vehicle during the process.
  • Respond effectively to Estimators and Center Leaders to report visible quality issues in final cleaning of vehicles or to meet specific requirements or production requests.
  • Ensure production schedules are met in a timely manner.
  • Ensure organization for shop supplies and equipment by utilizing dedicated spaces.
  • Maintain supplies and materials necessary to clean vehicles, re-ordering efficiently through the Center Leader.
  • Assist in the cleanliness of the shop by picking up trash and putting things back in place.
  • Assist and be a team player in other areas as needed or requested for shop efficiency and productivity. These requests could include picking up or organizing parts, helping with front desk reception tasks, driving customers, scanning vehicles and minor buffing, and polishing vehicles.


Key Performance Metrics

    • Paint Gross Profit of 60% or higher with efficient paint usage and limited overuse
    • Customer Service Index Score 95+ for Quality, Done on Time, and Net Promoter Score
    • Cycle Time Efficiency
    • Customer Service Index Score 95% for Vehicle Cleanliness


Skills/Technical Qualifications:

  • I-CAR Certification required withing 1st year of employment.
  • Basic understanding of all facets of paint application for automobile collision repair.
  • The ability to read, understand, and perform written instructions accurately and consistently and to work independently as well as with others in an organized manner.
  • Current and Valid Driver’s License required.


Behavioral Excellence Required:

  • Perform all assigned responsibilities according to the Company Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Participate in training programs as required to maintain the technical and professional skills and techniques necessary for this position
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area always, adhering to 5S organization.
  • Extend normal working hours as necessary to accommodate workload and customer requirements.


Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work in an automotive collision repair and paint shop environment for extended periods.
  • Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods throughout the workday.
  • Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach while preparing vehicle surfaces for paint.
  • Ability to work in various positions, including above shoulder level, below waist level, and in confined spaces.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently.
  • Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive sanding, masking, cleaning, taping, buffing, and operation of hand and power tools.
  • Ability to safely operate sanding equipment, spray guns, buffers, grinders, and other paint preparation tools and equipment.
  • Ability to perform repetitive motions for extended periods while maintaining quality and productivity standards.
  • Ability to visually inspect vehicle surfaces for dents, imperfections, contaminants, paint defects, and repair quality, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
  • Ability to distinguish colors and color variations for paint preparation and quality control purposes.
  • Ability to enter, exit, and maneuver around vehicles of various sizes and configurations.
  • Ability to safely navigate around moving vehicles, equipment, tools, and active repair operations.
  • Ability to tolerate exposure to noise, dust, paint fumes, solvents, chemicals, and varying temperatures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with painters, technicians, supervisors, and coworkers regarding repair status, quality concerns, and production needs.
  • Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures in a fast-paced production environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.