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Auto Painter Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Auto Pride Collision

Painter

Mount Morris, MI

The Auto Body Painter performs skilled work in preparing metal, plastic and other surfaces on automotive equipment for painting and in applying base coat and clear coat. Refinished vehicles should be ...

CollisionRight

Painter

Mount Morris, MI · On-site

The Auto Body Painter performs skilled work in preparing metal, plastic and other surfaces on automotive equipment for painting and in applying base coat and clear coat. Refinished vehicles should be ...

Carmax

Autobody Painter

Kentwood, MI · On-site

$21.85 - $33.34/hr

Working in a modern, climate-controlled environment, you'll complete all aspects of the paint preparation process and occasionally support Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II and Flow Inventory ...

New

Penske Vehicle Services

Automotive Painter

Troy, MI

As a Paint Technician, this individual is tasked with performing exterior paint work on vehicles in a low volume production setting. This paint work is done at the production standards commensurate ...

Penske Vehicle Services

Automotive Painter

Troy, MI · On-site

As a Paint Technician, this individual is tasked with performing exterior paint work on vehicles in a low volume production setting. This paint work is done at the production standards commensurate ...

Penske Vehicle Services

Automotive Painter

Troy, MI · On-site

As a Paint Technician, this individual is tasked with performing exterior paint work on vehicles in a low volume production setting. This paint work is done at the production standards commensurate ...

Proctors Collision LLC

Collision Shop Painter

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Training & development Our body shop painters prepare surfaces for painting, mixes and applies paint to match a vehicle's color, and performs quality checks to ensure a high-quality finish. Key ...

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All JobsAuto Painter JobsAuto Painter Jobs in Michigan

Auto Painter information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$22

$40

How much do auto painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto painter in Michigan is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Auto Painter, you need expertise in surface preparation, color matching, paint application techniques, and a solid understanding of automotive refinishing processes, often supported by vocational training or certifications. Familiarity with spray guns, paint booths, sanding tools, and safety equipment is critical, along with knowledge of industry-standard paint systems like PPG or BASF. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and good communication skills help ensure high-quality finishes and effective teamwork. These competencies are essential for delivering flawless results, maintaining safety standards, and meeting customer expectations in a competitive automotive market.

What does an auto painter do?

Auto Painters typically work at auto body repair shops, which is where customers will bring their vehicle following a collision or another event that has caused body damage. They make cosmetic vehicle repairs and repaint the body of the vehicle. Depending on your employer, you may be required to learn specialty painting techniques or other aspects of collision repair work. Typical job duties of an Auto Painter include prepping the vehicle for painting, painting the vehicle, and ensuring the vehicle is ready to be returned to the customer. Auto Painters may sometimes need to work directly with customers, talking about what vehicle repairs may be needed and deliver timelines for completing the work.

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

AspectAuto PainterAuto Body Technician
CertificationsAuto body repair certifications, spray painting licensesAuto body repair certifications, welding licenses
Work EnvironmentPaint booths, repair shops, garagesRepair shops, collision centers, garages
Primary ResponsibilitiesApplying paint, finishing vehicle surfacesRepairing dents, replacing panels, frame work
Industry UsageAuto repair, collision centers, dealershipsAuto repair, collision centers, insurance claims

Auto Painters focus on applying paint and finishing vehicle surfaces, while Auto Body Technicians handle repairs like dent removal and panel replacement. Both roles often work together in auto repair shops and collision centers, but their certifications and daily tasks differ slightly. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right career path in the auto repair industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by auto painters in maintaining high-quality finishes?

Auto Painters often face challenges such as working with different vehicle surfaces, ensuring proper color matching, and dealing with environmental factors like dust or humidity that can affect paint quality. Achieving a flawless finish requires meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and skill with various painting techniques and equipment. Additionally, staying updated on new paint technologies and safety procedures is essential to consistently deliver high-quality results and maintain a safe work environment.

What is an auto painter?

Auto painters are skilled professionals who prepare and apply paint to vehicles such as cars, trucks, or buses. Their job involves removing old paint, repairing minor body damage, masking surfaces, mixing and matching paint colors, and applying new coats using spray guns or other equipment. They work in auto body shops, dealerships, or specialized paint facilities, and must pay close attention to detail to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Auto painters also follow safety procedures to handle chemicals and maintain a clean work environment.
More about Auto Painter jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Painter jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Auto Painter jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Auto Painter jobs in Michigan? For Auto Painter jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Auto Painter jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Auto Painter jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Auto Painter jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Auto Painter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Auto Painter jobs in MI? For Auto Painter jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Auto Painter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auto Painter job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,556 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Painter

Auto Pride Collision

Mount Morris, MI

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Title: Painter

Status: Non-Exempt

Created/Revised: November 2020

SUMMARY:

The Auto Body Painter performs skilled work in preparing metal, plastic and other surfaces on automotive equipment for painting and in applying base coat and clear coat. Refinished vehicles should be in accordance with CollisionRight’s specifications and standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for proper preparation of surfaces and application of painting materials to a variety of exterior surfaces
  • Primary activities involve:
    • masking glass, trim, and other parts not to be painted;
    • cleaning, sanding and preparing surfaces for painting;
    • applying primer, base coats and clear coat using waterborne or solvent base paint systems
    • may paint automotive accessories;
    • may assist with body work required to prepare motor vehicles for painting;
    • may work with unpleasant or toxic fumes and materials wearing safety and personal protective and equipment;
    • may mix and match paints
    • buffing/sanding finished products as needed
  • Cleans and maintains spray guns and other painting equipment
  • Inspects painted vehicle to make sure quality of work is up to standard

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Solid working knowledge of the processes, techniques and materials used in painting automotive equipment with a minimum of 1-3 years of experience working in Auto Body painting
  • Thorough knowledge of the proper methods of preparing automotive equipment for painting
  • Talent and skill in the use of spray guns and other auto painting equipment with the ability to mix and match paints
  • Possession of good eyesight and color perception
  • Past experience and knowledge of the proper methods of caring for and maintaining spray guns and other auto painting equipment and materials
  • Demonstration of safety precautions required in performing the work in this position
  • Possess a strong attention to detail in addition to the ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Strength to perform average lifting up to 35 pounds and occasionally over 70 pounds
  • Demonstrated agility, equilibrium and coordination as required when climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and balancing under precarious conditions
  • Strong arm, hand and finger dexterity with demonstrated physical capacity to reach, handle, finger and feel
  • Comfortable working in a fast-past, production oriented environment

This position description is intended to be dynamic and subject to change. Position requirements and essential functions may be altered from time to time based upon the needs of the organization and department. This position may be required to execute special projects or other related duties on occasion.