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Auto Painter Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Auto Painter Helper

Waldorf, MD · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

Auto Painter Helper

Waldorf, MD

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

Minimum 2 years experience with automotive refinishing/painting Personal characteristics * Demonstrates favorable public and employee contacts. * Works harmoniously with co-workers and supervisors.

Minimum 2 years experience with automotive refinishing/painting Personal characteristics * Demonstrates favorable public and employee contacts. * Works harmoniously with co-workers and supervisors.

Minimum 2 years experience with automotive refinishing/painting Personal characteristics * Demonstrates favorable public and employee contacts. * Works harmoniously with co-workers and supervisors.

Minimum 2 years experience with automotive refinishing/painting Personal characteristics * Demonstrates favorable public and employee contacts. * Works harmoniously with co-workers and supervisors.

Select paint according to company requirements. Match colors of paint following specified color charts. Responsible for communicating vehicles stage in paint process. Monitor painting operations to ...

Auto Body Tech

Springfield, VA · On-site

$50K - $130K/yr

The Auto Body Tech is responsible for performing high-quality repairs and maintenance on passenger ... Prepare surfaces for painting and finish treatments * Replace damaged parts with precision

Painter

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.46 - $22.73/hr

The Painter is responsible for preparing and applying paint to interior and exterior surfaces of residential and commercial buildings. This role requires selecting and using appropriate paint ...

Painter

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.46 - $22.73/hr

The Painter is responsible for preparing and applying paint to interior and exterior surfaces of residential and commercial buildings. This role requires selecting and using appropriate paint ...

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Auto Painter information

See Washington salary details

$16

$29

$53

How much do auto painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto painter in Washington is $29.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Auto Painter jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Auto Painter jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Auto Painter jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Auto Painter jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Auto Painter jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Auto Painter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Auto Painter jobs in WA?

For Auto Painter jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Auto Painter job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,797 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Auto Painter Helper

Caliber Collision

Waldorf, MD • On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Caliber Collision rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 371 rated vehicle maintenance


Job description

Service Center
Waldorf - Kaine Pl
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:
  • $18-$22

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
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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