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Auto Paint Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Auto Painter Helper

San Bernardino, CA

$22 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

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 ...

Auto Painter Helper

Tracy, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Napa, CA

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Merced, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Carlsbad, CA

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Napa, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Tracy, CA

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Pasadena, CA

$17 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Auto Painter Helper

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Mix and match paint colors using computerized and manual color-matching systems. * Apply primers, base coats, clear coats, and specialty finishes using professional spray equipment. * Perform ...

Mix and match paint colors using computerized and manual color-matching systems. * Apply primers, base coats, clear coats, and specialty finishes using professional spray equipment. * Perform ...

Auto Painters Helper

Poway, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are looking for Experienced Auto Painter Helper. We are a high volume fast paced collision shop that places a high emphasis on customer satisfaction. These positions are not entry level, please do ...

Mix and match paint colors using computerized and manual color-matching systems. * Apply primers, base coats, clear coats, and specialty finishes using professional spray equipment. * Perform ...

Auto Painters Helper

Poway, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are looking for Experienced Auto Painter Helper. We are a high volume fast paced collision shop that places a high emphasis on customer satisfaction. These positions are not entry level, please do ...

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

  • PTO

Competitive, based on experience ($40,000 - $60,000 annually, plus benefits) We are looking for a dedicated Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team. In this hands-on role, you'll ...

Auto Painters Helper

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Wipe down, mask, and tape vehicles to prepare them for the paint booth.Surface Perfection: Apply ... Previous experience in a body shop or auto detailing environment (preferred).Strong understanding ...

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

  • PTO

Competitive, based on experience ($40,000 - $60,000 annually, plus benefits) We are looking for a dedicated Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team. In this hands-on role, you'll ...

Showing results 21-40

Auto Paint information

See California salary details

$14

$25

$46

How much do auto paint jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto paint in California is $25.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an auto paint technician do?

An auto paint technician is responsible for preparing and painting vehicles to restore their appearance after damage or to update their color. This involves sanding, masking, priming, mixing paint colors, and applying paint using specialized equipment. Auto paint technicians also ensure that paint finishes are smooth, match the original color, and are protected from corrosion. Their work helps maintain a vehicle's value and appearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an auto paint technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Auto Paint Technician, you need knowledge of paint mixing, surface preparation, color matching, and relevant experience or vocational training in automotive refinishing. Familiarity with spray booths, paint guns, computerized paint-matching systems, and certifications such as ASE in Refinishing are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication with team members are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality, durable finishes and customer satisfaction while maintaining safety and efficiency in the workshop.

What are some common challenges faced by auto paint technicians, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Auto paint technicians often encounter challenges such as matching paint colors accurately, working under tight deadlines, and ensuring a dust-free environment for a flawless finish. These issues can be addressed by using advanced color-matching technology, maintaining a clean spray booth, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Collaborating closely with other technicians and body shop staff also helps ensure that each project meets quality standards and is completed efficiently.

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

AspectAuto PaintAuto Body Technician
CertificationsAutomotive Refinishing Certification, ASE CertifiedASE Certification, Collision Repair Certification
Work EnvironmentPaint booths, spray guns, refinishing shopsRepair bays, collision centers, repair shops
Primary ResponsibilitiesApplying paint, color matching, finishingRepairing dents, replacing panels, structural repairs
Industry UsageAuto body shops, dealerships, custom shopsCollision repair centers, auto dealerships

Auto Paint specialists focus on applying paint and finishing vehicles to restore appearance, while Auto Body Technicians handle structural repairs and bodywork. Both roles often work together in collision repair shops but have distinct skill sets and certifications.

What job categories do people searching Auto Paint jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Auto Paint jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Auto Paint jobs?

Cities in California with the most Auto Paint job openings:

Infographic showing various Auto Paint job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,848 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Caliber Collision rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 371 rated vehicle maintenance


Job description

Service Center

San Bernardino

JOB SUMMARY

Caliber Collision has an immediate job opening for an Auto Painter Helper to efficiently prepare vehicles for painting in cooperation with the Auto Painter to ensure efficient workflow. Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with Caliber and OEM standards using our state-of-the-art equipment.

OUR AUTO PAINTER HELPERS FOR THIS POSITION CAN MAKE UP TO:

  • $22-$24 per hour

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE CALIBER FAMILY

  • Benefits from day one: Immediately eligible for medical, dental and vision
  • Industry Comparable Pay - Paid weekly and eligible for overtime (if hourly)
  • State of the Art Products - 3M Collision Repair Products
  • Paid Vacation & Holidays - Begin accruing day 1
  • Career growth opportunities - We promote from within!
  • Paid Skilled Trainings and Certifications - I-CAR and ASE
  • A career for life: You'll gain hands-on experience within a production shop

REQUIREMENTS

  • 1+ years of experience in paint operations within a collision center
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage under Caliber's insurance policy
  • Nice to have, but not required: Previous collision experience and/or Collision Vo-Tech certification

ABILITES/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

  • Ability to do consistent physical activity - reach below and above shoulder level, kneeling, bending, and squatting, and lifting objects over 50 lbs.
  • Be able to understand instructions - written and verbal
  • Can prioritize competing tasks and adapt easily to a fast-paced environment

Caliber is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation

Caliber uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions.


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