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Auto Paint Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Auto Painter Helper

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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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 ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Auto Paint information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$27

$48

How much do auto paint jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto paint in Chicago, IL is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $30.24 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 Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Auto Paint jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Auto Paint job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,251 per year, or $27 per hour.

Auto Paint Prepper / Painter's Helper

Crash Champions

New Lenox, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Crash Champions rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 371 rated vehicle maintenance


Job description

Champions Do More

Champions Are Worth More.

You haven’t experienced a culture like this. If you want more from your career, join the industry’s most exciting and fastest-growing brand. Crash Champions is the only founder-led national MSO. Join a dynamic team of collision repair professionals and experience an unrivaled opportunity for growth.

Responsibilities

  • Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from vehicle surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters.
  • Assists painter in pre-paint blending needs.
  • Works with paint team to assist in keeping vehicle on track for scheduled delivery time.
  • Fill small dents or scratches with body fillers and smooth surfaces to prepare vehicles for painting.
  • Buff and wax the finished paintwork.
  • Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers and power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths for cleaning duties.

Qualifications

  • Prior experience in vehicle paint process.
  • I-CAR certifications preferred.
  • Ability to receive directions and work well with others.
  • Must be able to pass thorough background check

Submit a Referral (https://field-crashchampions.icims.com/jobs/2684/auto-paint-prepper---painter%27s-helper/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-1834383836)

Location US-IL-New Lenox

ID 2023-2684

Position Type Regular Full-Time

Remote No


What Crash Champions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Crash Champions logo

About Crash Champions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1999, and based in Chicago, IL, Crash Champions, LLC ("Crash Champions"or the"Company") is the fifth largest independent collision repair chain in the United States, with an established presence in 17 states- and formal direct repair program ("DRP") relationships with most leading insurance carriers. The Company is led by founder and CEO Matt Ebert, who maintains an impressive track record of both organic and acquisition growth. As an acquiror of choice with a value-added capital partner, Crash Champions is expected to grow from a multi-regional business into a nationally recognized provider of collision repair services. Based upon the current pipeline of acquisitions and greenfield openings.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westmont, IL, US

Year founded

1999