ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Auto Paint Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wink's Body Shop

Auto Paint Prep

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Prep any painted panel for paint * Mask for paint * Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business Qualifications * Valid Driver's License * Experience is preferred

Wink's Body Shop

Auto Paint Prep

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Prep any painted panel for paint * Mask for paint * Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business Qualifications * Valid Driver's License * Experience is preferred

Wink's Body Shop

Auto Paint Prep

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Prep any painted panel for paint * Mask for paint * Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business Qualifications * Valid Driver's License * Experience is preferred

Your Auto Giant

Paint prep technician

Wesley Chapel, FL · On-site

We are looking for an experienced paint prep technciian to join our team. We have large used car ... At Your Auto Giant we strive to make every customer a customer for life. Happy employees make happy ...

Tipton Motor Sales, LLC

Paint Prep Technician

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Paint Prep Technician to join our growing auto body team at Tipton Auto Group. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing vehicles and parts ...

Tipton Motor Sales, LLC

Paint Prep Technician

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Paint Prep Technician to join our growing auto body team at Tipton Auto Group. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing vehicles and parts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAuto Paint Prep Jobs

Auto Paint Prep information

See salary details

$14

$26

$46

How much do auto paint prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto paint prep in the United States is $26.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid painting job?

In the auto paint prep field, lead automotive painters or master refinishing technicians tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $60,000 annually. Advanced skills, certifications, and experience with high-end or custom vehicles can increase earning potential further.

What does an Auto Paint Prep do?

An Auto Paint Prep, also known as an automotive paint preparer, prepares vehicles for painting by sanding, masking, cleaning, and priming surfaces. Their role is essential for ensuring that the paint adheres properly and that the final finish is smooth and free of imperfections. They work closely with painters and other body shop staff, following safety procedures and quality standards to deliver high-quality results. Attention to detail and knowledge of various tools and materials are important skills for this job.

Is autobody painting a good career?

Auto paint prep is a key part of autobody painting, involving surface preparation and priming before painting. It offers opportunities for skilled technicians, often requiring attention to detail, knowledge of paints and tools, and sometimes certifications. The career can be stable with demand in auto repair shops and collision centers, but it may involve exposure to fumes and physical work.

What does an automotive paint prepper do?

An automotive paint prepper is responsible for preparing vehicle surfaces before painting by cleaning, sanding, and masking to ensure proper paint adhesion and a smooth finish. They often use tools like sanders, masking tape, and cleaning solvents, and may need knowledge of safety procedures and proper surface inspection. Attention to detail and adherence to quality standards are essential in this role.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Auto Paint Prep technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Auto Paint Prep technicians often encounter challenges such as ensuring surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanded to prevent paint imperfections, managing tight deadlines for multiple vehicles, and safely handling chemicals and tools. Overcoming these challenges requires attention to detail, effective time management, and adherence to safety protocols. Technicians benefit from consistent training, clear communication with painters and supervisors, and maintaining a well-organized workspace to streamline the prep process and deliver high-quality results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Auto Paint Prep, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Auto Paint Prep, you need attention to detail, knowledge of automotive surfaces, and experience with sanding, masking, and priming techniques, typically gained through on-the-job training or vocational education. Familiarity with spray guns, sanders, respirators, and industry-standard safety practices is essential for this role. Strong time management, reliability, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for meeting deadlines and maintaining workflow in a body shop environment. These skills ensure vehicles are properly prepared for painting, resulting in high-quality finishes and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Auto Paint Prep vs Auto Body Technician?

AspectAuto Paint PrepAuto Body Technician
CertificationsAuto Paint Certification, OSHA safety trainingASE Certification, Auto Body Repair Certification
Work EnvironmentPaint booths, spray areas, repair shopsRepair bays, collision centers, body shops
Job FocusSurface preparation, sanding, masking, primingCollision repair, dent removal, panel replacement

Auto Paint Prep specialists focus on preparing vehicle surfaces for painting, including sanding, masking, and priming. Auto Body Technicians handle broader collision repairs, including fixing dents and replacing panels. While both roles work in auto repair shops and require safety certifications, Auto Paint Prep is more specialized in surface preparation for painting, whereas Auto Body Technicians perform comprehensive collision repairs.

How much do body paint models get paid?

Body paint models typically earn between $50 and $200 per hour, depending on the event, experience, and location. Payment can also include photoshoots, promotional events, or competitions, with rates varying accordingly.
More about Auto Paint Prep jobs
What cities are hiring for Auto Paint Prep jobs? Cities with the most Auto Paint Prep job openings:
What states have the most Auto Paint Prep jobs? States with the most job openings for Auto Paint Prep jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Auto Paint Prep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Auto Paint Prep jobs are:
Auto Paint Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auto Paint Prep job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,562 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Auto Paint Prep

Auto Paint Prep

Wink's Body Shop

Ithaca, NY • On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Careers Advancement Opportunities 
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Retirement
  • Medical
  • Paid Time Off
  • Help with Moving Expenses
  • Flat Rate Commission Pay
 Job Summary
We are looking for an Automotive Paint Prepper to join our independent Body Shop. Prepper will be mainly responsible for priming, sandin, and masking vehicles for paint
If you have are a motivated individual that likes working with hands and has an eye for detail, please apply. We may be willing to train the right person but experience is preferred. Any application will be totally confidential. Listed Salary is dependent on experience. Low end is a person that needs to be trained. High end is a person that is very experienced and is efficient at paint prep and application. 
Responsibilities 
  • Prime and Block repaired panels
  • Prep any painted panel for paint
  • Mask for paint
  • Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business 
 
Qualifications
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Experience is preferred